Thrush in horses: causes, symptoms, treatment and comprehensive prevention

Thrush in horses: causes, symptoms, treatment and comprehensive prevention

Learn how thrush develops, how to recognize it early and how to treat it effectively with simple means. With the right care, you can ensure your horse's hooves remain healthy in the long term.

Contents

Thrush is a common hoof disease in horses caused by bacterial infections of the frog. It mainly occurs in damp and unhygienic conditions and can lead to serious hoof damage if left untreated. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms and treatment approaches in detail and provide practical tips on optimal care, nutrition and prevention. 

What is thrush and why does it occur? 

Thrush is a bacterial hoof disease in which anaerobic bacteria attack the horn tissue of the frog. Horses that are kept in damp, unhygienic conditions or whose hoof care has been neglected are particularly affected. The disease often begins insidiously, but can cause serious damage to the hoof if left untreated.

Thrush horse causes

The main causes of thrush in horses are

  • Moist conditions: Muddy paddocks or wet bedding create an ideal environment for bacteria to decompose the frog.
  • Inadequate hoof care: If the hooves are not cleaned regularly, dirt collects in the frog furrows. These store moisture and encourage bacterial growth.
  • Hoof anatomy: Horses with deep frog furrows or weak horn are particularly susceptible. These structures offer bacteria a larger surface to attack.
  • Weak immune system: Stress, poor nutrition or illness can reduce the horse's defenses and increase the risk of thrush.

Recognize thrush

The signs of thrush in horses are often easy to recognize, especially with regular hoof checks. Typical symptoms include

❗ Symptoms at a glance
Greasy, black deposits in the beam: These are caused by decomposed horn and are a clear warning signal.
Foul odor: When cleaning the hooves, you will often notice an unpleasant, foul odor caused by bacterial decomposition.
Sensitivity to pain: Horses often show significant sensitivity when pressure is applied to the frog. In advanced cases, this can lead to lameness.
❗ Indentations or cracks in the beam: If the disease progresses over a longer period of time, visible indentations or cracks form which weaken the structure of the beam.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of thrush is made by a farrier or vet. The condition of the frog is examined in detail to assess the severity of the disease.

Step-by-step diagnosis

  1. Visual examination: Visible symptoms such as black deposits, foul odor or deep cracks in the frog provide the first clues.
  2. Pressure test on the frog: The sensitivity to pain is tested by applying light pressure with a hoof knife or a probe.
  3. Hoof cleaning: After removing dirt and debris, affected areas can be assessed in more detail.
  4. X-rays: In severe cases, if deeper damage or hoof cancer is suspected, x-rays are taken to check the internal structures.

➡️ Video tipX-ray - the first step towards diagnosis! Carsten Rohde explains how X-rays work in equine medicine, what advantages and disadvantages they offer and why they are the No. 1 diagnostic imaging method - a look behind the scenes of modern diagnostic technology! 

Treating thrush

The treatment of thrush in horses depends on the severity of the disease. Rapid and targeted therapy is crucial to promote the healing process and prevent damage to the hoof.

Cleaning the hoof

Thorough cleaning is the first step in the treatment of thrush. Dirt, manure and black deposits are removed with a hoof scraper and brush. The farrier carefully removes the soft, affected horn to expose the affected area. This measure is particularly important in the case of hoof rot in horses, which can lead to serious damage if left untreated.

Disinfection

After cleaning, the hoof is treated with a suitable disinfectant to kill the bacteria. The choice of product depends on the severity of the disease. Commonly used products are:

Medium Application Effect
Copper sulphate mixture Apply to the frog furrows after cleaning Kills anaerobic bacteria
Hydrogen peroxide Apply sparingly to affected areas Disinfects and cleans
Keralite Apply regularly Supports the regeneration of the horn
Betaisodona Apply as an antiseptic ointment Has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect

Dry keeping

Dryness is essential for healing. The horse's box or paddock should be cleaned regularly and provided with dry bedding. dry bedding dry bedding. Rubber mats or wood shavings are particularly suitable for minimizing moisture. Damp conditions worsen the condition of thrush, especially if there are already indentations in the frog.

Supportive nutrition

The regeneration of the hoof horn depends heavily on the nutrition of the horse of the horse. A balanced supply of nutrients strengthens the hoof and accelerates healing. These are particularly important:

  • Biotin: Promotes the formation of healthy and stable hoof horn.
  • Zinc and copper: These trace elements support the regeneration of damaged tissue and improve blood circulation in the hoof area.
  • Methionine: This essential amino acid is a central building block for keratin, which forms the basis for resistant hoof horn.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve general hoof health.

The integration of feed supplements such as "Kerabol Biotin" or "Hoof Regulator" into the feed can provide targeted support for healing. Dr. Stefanie Müller, nutritionist, explains:
"A balanced diet with the right nutrients is the key to long-term hoof health."

➡️ Video tipFrom zinc to selenium - trace elements for your horse! Dr. Felicitas Drebes explains the crucial role of zinc, copper, iron, selenium and manganese for your horse's health and gives tips on the optimal supply - all about the small but important helpers in the metabolism!

Aftercare

Regular checks by the farrier or vet are necessary to monitor the healing process. Close follow-up care is also important for foals with thrush, as their horn is often softer and more susceptible.

Dr. Thomas Klein, equine veterinarian, emphasizes:
"The combination of targeted treatment and optimized living conditions is the key to successfully curing thrush."

Optimal hoof care: How to keep hooves healthy

Proper hoof care is essential to prevent thrush in horses and promote general hoof health. A consistent routine and the use of suitable care products help to significantly reduce the risk of disease.

Daily cleaning of the hooves with a hoof scraper and brush is the basis of all hoof care. Dirt often collects in the frog furrows in particular, which retains moisture and provides ideal conditions for bacteria. Horses with deep frog grooves are particularly susceptible to thrush and therefore require special attention.

Regular checks by the farrier are essential. A well-balanced hoof reduces stress and ensures that the frog furrows remain clean. Misalignments and uneven loading can promote the development of thrush and other hoof diseases.

Dry bedding is an important factor for hoof health. Wood shavings or rubber mats are particularly suitable for minimizing moisture. Damp conditions, such as muddy paddocks or wet stalls, encourage the spread of bacteria that cause thrush in horses.

Care products such as antibacterial sprays or creams can be applied regularly to provide additional protection for the hooves. Products with zinc or lanolin strengthen the horn and have a preventative effect against hoof rot in horses. Tinctures against thrush, such as copper sulphate solutions or antibacterial sprays, are particularly effective

Regular exercise on different surfaces improves the hoof mechanism and strengthens the frog structure. Horses that are regularly exercised on firm ground, sand or meadows often have stronger hooves and are less susceptible to thrush.

➡️ Video tipNo hoof, no horse - bare hoof or shoeing? Dr. Charlotte von Zadow explains the advantages and disadvantages of bare hoof and shoeing and provides insights into which factors should be considered when making a decision - for healthy hooves and optimum performance!

Avoid thrush in horses: Prevention

Preventing thrush in horses requires a combination of care, optimal husbandry and targeted nutrition. You can significantly reduce the risk with these measures:

Clean and dry environment

  • Keep the box regularly mucked out and the bedding bedding dry.
  • Use rubber mats or wood shavings to minimize moisture.
  • Maintain paddocks regularly to avoid muddy or wet areas.

Daily hoof care

  • Clean the hooves daily with a hoof scraper and a brush, especially the frog furrows.
  • Watch out for horses with deep frog furrows, as these are more susceptible to thrush.

Regular farrier checks

  • Have the hooves checked every 6-8 weeks to correct any misalignments.
  • A well-balanced hoof promotes the natural function of the frog and prevents diseases.

Targeted nutrition

  • Nutrients such as biotin, zinc, copper and methionine strengthen the hoof horn.
  • Supplements such as "Kerabol Biotin" or "Hoof Regulator" promote the growth of healthy and stable hoof horn.

Regular exercise

  • Move your horse regularly on different surfaces such as sand, meadow or firm ground.
  • Good blood circulation in the hoof supports the natural defense against infections.

Conclusion 

Thrush is a preventable disease that can be treated effectively with the right care and husbandry. In addition to hygiene and daily hoof checks, nutrition is a crucial factor. With a holistic approach, horse owners can not only promote healing, but also ensure the long-term health of the hooves. 

FAQs: Frequently asked questions about thrush in horses

What causes thrush in horses?

Thrushis caused by anaerobic bacteria, which multiply particularly in damp, unhygienic conditions. Muddy paddocks, wet bedding and a lack of hoof care are among the main causes.

How do you recognize thrush in horses?

Typical symptoms include greasy, black deposits in the frog, a foul odor, sensitivity to pain when pressure is applied and, in advanced cases, deep cracks or indentations in the frog.

How do you treat thrush in horses?

Treatment includes thorough hoof cleaning, disinfection with agents such as copper sulphate or hydrogen peroxide, keeping dry and regular checks by the farrier. Antibacterial tinctures or special thrush remedies can also be used.

Which home remedies help against thrush in horses?

Home remedies such as apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil can have a supportive effect. A mixture of copper sulphate and water is also frequently used. However, these remedies should only be used after consulting an expert.

Is thrush dangerous?

If left untreated, thrush can cause serious damage to the hoof, including lameness or inflammation of deeper structures. Early treatment is therefore essential.

Can a horse become lame due to thrush?

Yes, in advanced cases thrush can lead to pain and lameness, as the affected hoof reacts sensitively to stress.

Is thrush contagious?

No, thrush is not directly contagious. However, the underlying bacteria can spread in damp and unhygienic environments, putting other horses at risk.

How do you use hydrogen peroxide against thrush?

Hydrogen peroxide should be used with caution. After a thorough cleaning of the hoof, it can be dripped in small amounts onto the affected area to kill the bacteria. However, excessive use can damage healthy horn.

What remedies are there for thrush in horses?

Common remedies include copper sulphate solutions, products such as "Keralit" or "Hoof Cure", as well as antibacterial sprays and tinctures. Betaisodona is sometimes used as an antiseptic ointment.

How long does it take for thrush to heal?

The healing time depends on the severity. In mild cases, initial improvements may be visible within a few days, while severe cases may take several weeks to months.

What helps with thrush in foals?

Foals with thrush require particularly careful care as their horn is softer and more sensitive. Regular checks, thorough cleaning and the use of gentle products are crucial.

What does the onset of thrush look like?

At the beginning, thrush is characterized by slightly greasy deposits in the frog and an unpleasant smell. The hoof structure may still appear intact, but the frog furrows are often already moist and softer than normal.

Can you ride a horse with thrush?

Mild cases of thrush do not usually affect riding as long as the horse is not in pain. However, in advanced cases of thrush, riding should be avoided in order to relieve the affected hoof.

How do you prevent thrush in horses?

The best prevention is a clean and dry environment, daily hoof care and a balanced diet with nutrients such as biotin, zinc and copper.

Author
Sina SchulzeClinicsMore FROM CMH.TV

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