Thrush in Horses

Thrush in Horses is a degenerative condition of the frog involving the central and lateral sulci, which is characterized by the presence of black necrotic exudate and a foul odor.

The hind limbs of horses are most frequently affected by thrush. The infection may extend to the dermal laminae and cause lameness if it becomes chronic. In severe cases the infection may undermine the sole and result in swelling of the distal limb (cellulitis) and lameness. Common in heavy draught horses than in light horses.

Etiology

• Work in muddy roads, housing in soiled and moist flooring
• The horn get soaked in urine and faces and become brittle and comes away in flakes
• Neglect of cleaning (pricking) the frog regularly

Symptoms

• There is shedding of the horn of the frog and foul smelling, grayish or blackish discharge is present
• The affected hoof may be surrounded by flies. But there is no vegetative growth or hypertrophy as in canker
• Usually no lameness could be seen in thrush

Treatment

• Clean the frog and apply antiseptic foot dressings.
• House the animal in a clean stable and avoid its standing on moist flooring.
• Thrush easily responsible to treatment.

Extra readings:

Cracked Heel (Dermatitis Eczematosa; Scratches)

Cracked Heel is an acute inflammatory condition of the skin of the posterior aspect of the pastern. Fissures and vesicle formation causes severe pain. An exudates sticks to the hair in the region

Grease Heel (Dermatitis Verrucosa; Grapes)

Grease Heel is a chronic inflammation of the skin on the posterior aspect of the pastern, sometimes extending on the fetlock, hock and knee. Thickness of the skin, pain and foul smelling, discharge sticking on to the skin are noticed. In long standing cases wart-like growths called grapes are seen. The condition is not easily cured and prognosis is guarded.