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Description
Thrush is a bacterial infection of the solar horn of the foot in horses. It is associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum and caused by poor foot hygine and prolonged exposure to wet conditions under foot.
Necrosis of the horn tissue, especially the medial and lateral sulci of the frog, is caused by the environmental conditions, then there is seconday infection with F.necrophorum resulting in a foul smelling discharge.
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 sereve cases
- Increased digital pulses to the feet
- Lameness in very severe cases only
Treatment
Clean out the feet and remove all necrotic horn tissue with a hoof knife. Apply topical disinfectants such as .... The horse should be stabled on clean, dry bedding and the feet should be 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 effetcive.