Very Common
Related Observations
This treatment might be used for a horse exhibiting these signs.
Treatment
A way to improve or resolve a condition or diagnosis. This might include resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment).
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY Recommend
Thrush Treatments, Generally
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
The most important aspects of thrush treatment is prevention. If the environmental factors that favor the development of thrush are not managed, then it is likely to continue to be a problem despite treatment.
Stalls or stables should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Stabled horses should have their feet picked out 1-2 times daily, with special attention paid to cleaning out the grooves in the center of and on either side of the frog and removal of any dead tissue and black material.
Ideally, horses should have consistent exercise and should not stand around all day. Exercise keeps the feet healthier and cleaner. This keeps the grooves more open to air, reducing the development of thrush. Routine, scheduled hoof care with appropriate trimming and removal of dead frog and underrun sole is recommended.
There is great competition between commercial thrush treatments. In truth, just about any antiseptic will easily kill thrush bacteria - dilute bleach, hydrogen peroxide, copper sulfate, iodine products, even topical antibiotics. Fresh air alone also kills the organism, if it is allowed to reach it. However, treatments (commercial or homemade) will not help if the grooves are not first well cleaned or if any dead tissue remains.
My preference for treating thrush is an iodine/sugar mixture or copper sulfate, a drying agent, applied only after cleaning and removal of all dead tissue. I use a hoof pick and knife to remove the majority of the material and a small stiff brush to clean out these grooves. Only then should topical treatments be used. (Note: I personally do not use wire brushes because pieces of wire can become embedded in hooves.)
Your vet should always be involved in the management of thrush when accompanied by lameness, when the grooves are very deep, or if thrush is not responding to basic treatment.
Any lameness or other illness should always be promptly diagnosed and treated. Lameness can contribute to the development of thrush.
Stalls or stables should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Stabled horses should have their feet picked out 1-2 times daily, with special attention paid to cleaning out the grooves in the center of and on either side of the frog and removal of any dead tissue and black material.
Ideally, horses should have consistent exercise and should not stand around all day. Exercise keeps the feet healthier and cleaner. This keeps the grooves more open to air, reducing the development of thrush. Routine, scheduled hoof care with appropriate trimming and removal of dead frog and underrun sole is recommended.
There is great competition between commercial thrush treatments. In truth, just about any antiseptic will easily kill thrush bacteria - dilute bleach, hydrogen peroxide, copper sulfate, iodine products, even topical antibiotics. Fresh air alone also kills the organism, if it is allowed to reach it. However, treatments (commercial or homemade) will not help if the grooves are not first well cleaned or if any dead tissue remains.
My preference for treating thrush is an iodine/sugar mixture or copper sulfate, a drying agent, applied only after cleaning and removal of all dead tissue. I use a hoof pick and knife to remove the majority of the material and a small stiff brush to clean out these grooves. Only then should topical treatments be used. (Note: I personally do not use wire brushes because pieces of wire can become embedded in hooves.)
Your vet should always be involved in the management of thrush when accompanied by lameness, when the grooves are very deep, or if thrush is not responding to basic treatment.
Any lameness or other illness should always be promptly diagnosed and treated. Lameness can contribute to the development of thrush.
my vet's role
Related Diagnoses
This treatment might be used to treat these conditions or ailments.
CONSIDER POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS & COMPLICATIONS
Some commercial thrush treatments are very irritating to tissues and can cause skin, eye or mouth irritation. All of these topical medications need to be kept on the sole and frog of the hoof and in the grooves of the frog. Do not allow them to reach the coronary band (hairline of the hoof).Always wear gloves when handling topical medications and avoid contact with mouth and eyes.
CONSIDER REASONS NOT TO USE THIS TREATMENT
your role
Is it working? Timeframe for effect.
Generally, almost immediate improvement in the appearance and smell of thrush should be noted after the first time excess tissue and pasty black material is removed and the tissues exposed to air. You should see gradually decreasing black exudate. However, it may take months before you notice the deepened frog grooves gradually filling in with healthy tissue.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Might there be other underlying issues that need to be diagnosed & treated?