Let's Get to the Root of the Problem
Thrush is caused by the penetration of bacteria and fungi into the frog sulcus of the horse's hoof. These microorganisms find optimal conditions in a moist, dirty environment, allowing them to multiply and spread. Neglected Hoof Care, as well as wet and dirty stable conditions and poor hygiene, can increase the risk of thrush.
How Do I Recognize a Rotten Hoof?
We’ve all probably had our experiences with this annoying issue. Early signs of thrush include a foul odor and a slimy consistency in the area of the frog sulcus. As it progresses, the frog tissue can change, decomposing and becoming crumbly. This can eventually cause your beloved horse to become lame, as the affected tissue can no longer fulfill its stabilizing function. The #WORSTCASE scenario in advanced thrush can be bleeding lesions and severe pain.
Care is the Key
To win the fight against thrush, you should thoroughly care for your horse’s hooves and combat the microorganisms with suitable products. First, you should clean the hoof and carefully remove the affected tissue. It’s important not to damage the healthy tissue. It’s best to also seek the advice of your farrier during this process. Afterwards, you can apply special hoof disinfectants or creams to kill the microorganisms and promote the growth of healthy tissue. In our range, you’ll find several Grooming Products for daily Hoof Care as well as for fighting thrush. For example, the ‘Strahl-Liquid’ from #KERALIT or the highly concentrated ‘Strahl-Serum’ from #LEOVET, which is specially developed for thrush, are great options.
To avoid future infections, it’s important to keep the stable clean and dry. Regular mucking out of the stall and avoiding moisture, as well as providing a clean lying area for your treasure, are essential. Additionally, ‘hoof baths’ with disinfecting solutions can help reduce the risk of reinfection.
Don’t Give Thrush a Chance
The best way to prevent thrush is consistent and thorough Hoof Care. Daily picking out of the hooves, regular trimming of the frog sulcus, and applying Hoof Care products can help curb the growth of microorganisms. It’s also advisable to regularly check your horse for signs of thrush so you can act early if symptoms appear.
Thrush can truly be a burden for your horse. That’s why it’s all the more important that you do your best to ensure your horse has healthy hooves. If you have any questions, contact your farrier for a #EXPERTISE, as every horse behaves individually and they probably always have good advice ready for you.
