Thrush, an invasion of bacteria and moisture into the
sole of the horses foot. The front and /or back feet may
be affected.

Many horses that are confined to a stall or small area
are more prone to thrush than other horses. Moist and
unclean conditions are breeding places for bacteria.

If your horse must be confined, a daily inspection and
cleaning of the horse's feet along with good stable
management will protect your horse from contracting
thrush.

Visible signs of thrush are a black and tarry substance
oozing from the feet and an unpleasant odor. Thrush causes
the frog (the grooves along side and down the center of the frog)
and surrounding tissue to become soft and crumbly.

As the hoof degrades even further, the heel begins to
split and to bleed. Thrush is extremely painful and
debilitating for the horse.

Mild cases are easily taken care of with a little help
from your farrier. If the condition is left untreated,
the hoof will deteriorate even further and as a result,
the horse can become permanently lame.

In advanced cases you will need the help of your farrier
and your veterinarian. They will need to debride the effected
area and remove as much of the diseased tissue as possible.
There may be a good deal of blood associated with this tissue
removal if the thrush is advanced enough, so be prepared.

If the center cleft of the frog is deeply involved, you will have to
clean it out every day and pack it with medication and cotton, your
farrier and/or veterinarian will show you exactly what you will need
to do. With allot of love and care your horse will be back
on his feet in no time.