Thrush in horses is a common bacterial infection that affects the hoof, specifically the frog (the V-shaped structure on the sole of the hoof). Often, these types of infections linger, causing future biomechanical issues. In this post, we’ll explore what thrush is, common causes and contributing factors, how to create my homemade thrush treatment and how to safely apply.
Most cases of thrush in horses come from a common bacterial infection, specifically forming around the frog, the sulcus, and sometimes the heel.
It’s caused by anaerobic bacteria, primarily Fusobacterium necrophorum, which thrive in moist, dark, and poorly oxygenated environments.
Foul-smelling discharge: This is often the most noticeable sign and is typically black or dark in color, sometimes oily or watery.
Softening or deterioration of the frog: The frog may become mushy, ragged, or have an abnormal shape.
Deepening of the sulci (grooves): The grooves on either side of and in the middle of the frog can become deeper and more susceptible to trapping debris and moisture.
Tenderness or pain: In more severe cases, the horse may show sensitivity when the affected area is picked or touched, and can even become lame.
Fissures or deep pockets: Severe cases can lead to the formation of open sores or pockets extending towards the heel bulbs.
Infections within the central and collateral grooves of the frog are often overlooked yet can lead to severe lameness. This lameness frequently causes horses to adopt a toe-first landing to avoid pain.
Chronic toe-first impact can initiate a cascade of detrimental effects throughout the distal limb.
These include distal descent of P3 (the coffin bone), thin soles at the toe, subsolar abscesses, hoof capsule rotation, wall flare, wall cracks, navicular damage, and various ligament and tendon injuries.
While thrush can occur even in well-maintained hooves, several factors increase the risk:
Wet and unhygienic conditions: Prolonged exposure to mud, manure, urine, or deep, wet bedding creates the ideal anaerobic environment for the bacteria to flourish.
Poor hoof care: Infrequent hoof picking and irregular farrier care can allow debris to accumulate and prevent the hoof’s natural self-cleaning mechanism.
Poor hoof conformation: Horses with deep frog clefts, narrow heels, or imbalanced feet may be more susceptible as these conformations can trap moisture and limit airflow.
Poor nutrition: A balanced diet is essential for healthy hoof growth, which can improve the hoof’s resistance to infection.
What if you could take control of the situation with a targeted, cost-effective, and highly effective homemade treatment?
To make my homemade thrush treatment, I use 3 simple ingredients.
Copper sulfate is a well-known antimicrobial agent and is effective against the bacteria Fusobacterium necrophorum. This is the primary bacterium responsible for thrush. Some research suggests copper sulfate can also promote blood supply and tissue healing (angiogenesis), helping to heal the sensitive tissue of the frog.
Zinc oxide has mild astringent properties, contributing to the drying effect on the frog. It’s also known for its soothing properties, which can help alleviate the tenderness and irritation associated with thrush, making the horse more comfortable.
Lastly, zinc oxide creates a hydrophobic (water-repelling) layer that helps to keep the affected area dry and prevent further contamination from moisture, urine, and manure.
Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication (an imidazole). While thrush is primarily bacterial, secondary fungal infections can sometimes complicate severe cases.
Most of these ingredients you can purchase through a local convenience store or online. Make sure you’re reading labels for the correct concentrations of the active ingredients; not all are created equally.
Additionally, be careful when handling copper sulfate can be irritating to eyes and skin.
I use 8 oz dark containers to protect the active ingredients from degradation due to light exposure. Therefore, my recipe per container is:
4 oz zinc oxide paste (like Desitin)
1 teaspoon copper sulfate powder
Take care to mix all the ingredients until combined thoroughly, using caution to not let the mixture interact with anything metal. Copper sulfate reacts when introduced to anything metal.
Before application, thoroughly clean the affected hoof. Use a hoof pick to remove all dirt, mud, and debris from the sole, frog, and especially the sulci (grooves beside and in the middle of the frog).
I recommend flushing the deep pockets using an “all-in-one” 12g syringe if the horse is too tender to tolerate a pick. Consider flushing with apple cider vinegar over water; it also aids in preventing bacterial growth.
Dry the hoof as much as possible with a clean towel or allow it to air dry.
To apply the treatment, I recommend using plastic “all-in-one” syringes or a Leur Lock syringe with interchangeable catheters. They allow you to safely inject the treatment deep into the sulcus without damaging surrounding tissue, unlike metal tips.
If left untreated, thrush can lead to more serious issues, including lameness and severe infection.
This homemade mixture offers a targeted approach to managing equine thrush, giving you a customizable and potentially more cost-effective solution.
Together, these ingredients form a comprehensive approach designed to effectively eliminate thrush and promote healthy hoof recovery.
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I’m Maria, a lover of furry things, coffee and anything creative. This blog is where I love to share affordable home decor ideas, great DIYs, yummy recipes, unique crafts and so much more.
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