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Vet's Corner - Jan. '10Dear OEC Vet Corner, My horse is kept at an immaculately clean facility, but still seems to develop thrush. She is not turned out on wet grounds or standing in a dirty stall, so how is she developing thrush, and what can I do? Sincerely,
It is a common misconception that thrush only develops in horses that are stabled in unkempt living conditions, or in moist environments. In fact, this bacterial infection that attacks the tissue of the frog in a horse’s hoof can actually develop in the cleanliest of living conditions, due to other factors. These factors may include: poor trimming, hoof abnormalities, limited exercise, or even poor circulation to the frog, just to name a few. When a horse bears weight on one of its limbs, the coffin bone will descend, causing the sole of the foot to flatten out. As the coffin bone descends, the navicular bone gives way towards the ground, pushing against the deep flexor tendon and the navicular bursa. The pressure created by this motion causes the frog to expand, in anticipation of impact on the surface. The continual expansion and contraction of the frog, caused by the movement of a limb deters the accumulation of debris in the hoof. Due to the anatomy of the equine limb and hoof, any alterations or limitations to this innate cleaning mechanism can cause a horse to develop thrush. Whether occurring naturally or due to poor trimming, alterations in the structure of the hoof, such as narrow or contracted heels, negatively affect thrush development. Other alterations, such as a horse having deeper sulci than normal, make them more susceptible to the accumulation of material in the frog. Limitations such as stall rest and insufficient exercise are also factors that lead to the development of thrush in a horse. Poor circulation to the frog, due to stall rest or other anatomical abnormalities, does not allow the natural motion of the limb to expand the frog and clean the hoof. If a horse has limited exercise, this natural motion is also inhibited, causing the accumulation of debris which can lead to infection. Since thrush can develop in any type of living condition, it is important to combat against the factors that we as owners can control. Proper farrier services must be established to promote healthy hoof growth, and to support the natural anatomy of the equine limb. Ensuring that your horse has adequate exercise is another key factor in the prevention of thrush. If exercise is limited due to stall rest or other issues, be sure to clean the horse feet daily, and check for signs of thrush development. When you are cleaning your horse’s feet, check for a sour, foul odor, or any black, putty-like areas around the frog. If you suspect your horse may be developing thrush, it is best to treat the affected area as quickly as possible. To treat a hoof suspected of thrush, be sure to have a clean, dry working environment. First, clean the infected hoof thoroughly with water and the bristle end of a hoof pick, removing all debris from the foot. Second, allow the hoof to dry before applying any medication. Ask your vet or farrier for recommendations on store-bought medications or home remedies that may work for you and your horse. After the medication is applied, allow the hoof to dry before returning the horse to its regular routine. Be sure to clean all utensils used in the treatment of the hoof, since the bacteria can easily be spread to other hooves once they have been used. Colleen Davis, Resident Barn Manager
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