Thrush - Hoof

Description

Thrush is a bacterial infection of the solar horn of the foot in horses. It is caused by secondary infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum of necrotic horn tissue resulting from poor foot hygine and prolonged exposure to wet conditions under foot.

Signalment

The condition occurs in stabled horses, on moist or wet bedding. The conformation of some horses feet predisposes them to developing the condition but it can be easily prevented with proper foot care.

It occurs more commonly in the hind feet.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made on clinical signs alone.

Clinical Signs

• Foul smelling black discharge associated with the sulci of the frog
• Deep erosions to the medial and lateral sulci of the frog in severe cases
• Increased digital pulses to the feet
• Lameness in very severe cases only

Treatment

The feet must be cleaned out and all necrotic horn tissue removed with a hoof knife. Topical disinfectants can then be applied. The horse should be stabled on clean, dry bedding and the feet picked out twice a day. Antibiotics are only indicated if the infection is chronic with deep erosions and lameness. A 7 day course of procain penicillin is effective.

Prognosis

Good.

Literature Search

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Thrush in horses publications

References

• Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial
• Rose, R. J. and Hodgson, D. R. (2000) Manual of Equine Practice (Second Edition) Sauders.