Equestrian Shop Online » Horse FAQs » How to Prevent and Treat Thrush in Horses?

How to Prevent and Treat Thrush in Horses?

how to prevent and treat thrush in horses

Introduction

Thrush, a contagious bacterial infection, affects horses’ hooves. The infection can be caused by many bacteria including Fusobacterium and Pseudomonas. The infection usually starts in the hoof frog and spreads quickly to other areas, causing severe lameness and pain. Thrush can cause more severe hoof problems, and even lameness for horses if it is not treated. To keep your horse happy and healthy, it is crucial to quickly recognize signs and treatment.

Signs of Thrush

Horse thrush is most noticeable when it comes from the hooves. Sometimes pus may appear in the area around the frog, making it blacker or browner. In advanced cases, the frog may become soft and spongy and cause pain for the horse when it walks.

Prevention of Thrush

It is important to keep your horse’s hooves dry and clean to prevent thrush. Regular hoof cleaning and removing any dirt and debris can help prevent thrush. You should also make sure that the hooves of your horse are kept clean and tidy. A hoof supplement with biotin may be helpful to maintain hooves health and resistance to infection.

Treatment of Thrush

To determine the best treatment, thrush should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. First, clean the area thoroughly with a hoofpick. Next, apply an antiseptic solution like iodinine or chlorhexidine. You should then apply an antibiotic cream or ointment to the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Sometimes, the veterinarian will prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to treat the infection.

Home remedies for thrush

You can combine home remedies with veterinary treatment to treat thrush. The most common home remedy for thrush is to soak your hooves in water, Epsom salts and apple cider vinegar. This will help reduce the bacteria, inflammation and pain associated with thrush. Applying a mixture of olive oil and garlic to the area affected can also help to reduce the infection.

Other Treatments for Thrush

Alternative treatments for thrush are possible. You can try herbal remedies like calendula, goldenseal and echinacea. Laser therapy and acupuncture can also be used to help reduce inflammation and pain related to thrush.

Thrush complications

Thrush, if left untreated can cause more serious complications like lameness or permanent damage to your hooves. Further infections can result, including septic arthritis and bacterial abscesses. To prevent complications, it is important to quickly recognize signs and treat it.

Conclusion

Thrush, a contagious bacterial infection, affects horses’ hooves. If left untreated, it can cause severe pain and lameness as well as other serious complications. Thrush prevention is as simple as keeping the horse’s hooves dry and clean, trimming their hooves regularly and using hoof products with biotin. It is crucial to seek medical attention if thrush is found. You can also use home remedies or other treatments along with medical treatment. These steps can be used to prevent and treat horses suffering from thrush.

FAQs

What are the signs and symptoms of thrush in horses

Horse thrush is most noticeable when it comes from the hooves. Sometimes pus may appear in the area around the frog, making it blacker or browner. In advanced cases, the horse might feel pain while walking, as the frog may become softened and spongy.

How can you prevent thrush from spreading?

It is important to keep your horse’s hooves dry and clean to prevent thrush. Regular hoof cleaning and removing any dirt or debris can help prevent thrush. You should also make sure that the horse’s hooves are kept clean and tidy. A hoof supplement with biotin may be helpful to maintain hooves health and resistance to infection.