Credit: Thinkstock Keeping horses in dry areas and keeping their feet clean is important in preventing thrush.

With a damp spring just around the corner, now is an ideal time to consider some common springtime woes for horse owners. Thrush is the destruction of a portion of the frog in the horse’s hoof. This destruction is caused by an anaerobic bacteria and fungi that is not contagious. Thrush often presents itself with a strong-smelling odor coming from the affected area.

While somewhat common, thrush should not be taken lightly. If not treated, in some severe cases it may penetrate the sensitive structures of the hoof and form an abscess, or involve other sensitive areas of the hoof.

Treatment

Copper Tox and Thrush Buster can work well for treating thrush. Equine podiatrist Dr. Scott Morrison of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital identifies and talks about treating thrush in horses in the video “Identifying and Treating Thrush in Horses.”

Prevention

To prevent thrush, the best offense is a good defense. In other words, prevention and proactive farm management is crucial. The best control for thrush is proper sanitation, especially where your horses will be spending large amounts of their time. Dark and damp conditions are ideal for thrush-causing bacteria to thrive. It would be logical then, if wanting to prevent thrush, to limit these conditions. Check out this Michigan State University Extension article to help manage the mud at your horse farm.

In addition, be sure the horse’s hooves and stall are being cleaned daily with removal of wet spots and manure. If the horse is kept in a run-in shed, the area should be cleaned weekly to help minimize the buildup of organic matter.

This article was provided by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters.