Rot is a rot disease affecting the hoof area, specifically the frog and the surrounding tissue. Bacteria and/or fungi colonize this area when it is damp, breaking down the horn and forming a slimy, foul-smelling coating. Rot occurs more frequently in the hind hooves than in the front hooves.
Foot rot is caused by putrefactive bacteria and fungi, which are found throughout the soil but are more prevalent in feces. Under the hoof, these pathogens find ideal growing conditions due to the lack of air and break down the hoof horn. The ammonia from feces further attacks the hoof horn, thereby facilitating the penetration of the pathogens.
Thrush therefore occurs more frequently in winter and in stabled horses. Exposure to moisture and feces is higher then compared to summer pasturing. Reduced opportunities for exercise also decrease blood circulation—and thus the hooves’ ability to fight infection—as well as ventilation of the hoof soles. Horses with poorly maintained hooves are also at higher risk of developing thrush.
The development of thrush is also promoted by:
Horses with metabolic disorders that lead to reduced immune system function and/or decreased blood flow in the hoof area are also more frequently affected by thrush. This is the case, for example, with equine Cushing’s syndrome (see related article), equine metabolic syndrome (EMS; see related article), chronic liver and kidney problems, or chronic stress.
The ray grooves are particularly affected, especially when they are deep and feces become lodged in them. In most cases, the rotting process spreads from the central frog groove to the horn of the remaining frog sections. If the horn of the balling groove is destroyed, the frog flanks move closer together, causing the central frog groove to be compressed and thus become even narrower and more vulnerable. As the condition progresses, this can lead to a tight-heeled hoof.
If left untreated for a prolonged period, thrush can lead to inflammation of the hoof corium. The horn then separates from the corium. If the inflammation progresses to the rim corium (i.e., the corium above the coronet band), the rings characteristic of thrush form in the hoof wall. These are narrow deposits on the hoof wall that are pushed downward as the hoof grows. They run diagonally upward from the heel walls toward the front of the coronet band. In some cases, they intersect at the front with those on the other side.
A greasy, putrid, grayish-white to blackish, foul-smelling mass accumulates in the fissures of the cracked frog. The horn is very soft or even disintegrated. Severe thrush can be painful for your horse and lead to lameness. If thrush persists for a long time, the characteristic thrush rings become visible on the hoof wall.
Your veterinarian will make the diagnosis based on the typical appearance and odor. Hoof cancer (see related article) must be ruled out. However, combined cases of thrush and hoof cancer do occur.
If a deficiency in zinc, copper, biotin, or selenium is suspected, your veterinarian will check for it with a blood test.
To treat thrush, all underlying causes must be addressed. In addition to improving stable hygiene, this includes treating underlying metabolic disorders and correcting hoof deformities and shoeing that promotes thrush. If possible, you should have the shoes removed entirely at first; if this is absolutely impossible, choose open horseshoes. Your horse should also have plenty of opportunity to move around on dry ground.
Your veterinarian will remove the decayed hoof horn with a hoof knife. In doing so, they will open any pockets that may be present and cut them out, along with the furrows in the horn. Afterward, they will treat the frog and the frog furrows with disinfectants. The cutting is done at short intervals at the beginning. Therefore, your veterinarian should work as closely as possible with your farrier or hoof care specialist when treating thrush.
In addition, you should regularly apply the veterinarian-prescribed disinfectant to the affected frog and frog furrows until healing is complete. For better results, you can press a soaked cotton ball into the affected frog furrows. In cases of persistent thrush, an antifungal agent is often used as well. Under no circumstances should you apply wood tar or other supposedly helpful products without consulting your veterinarian.
If your horse has a deficiency in zinc, copper, biotin, or selenium, feed an appropriate dietary supplement as prescribed by your veterinarian. Supplementing with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) may also be beneficial to provide sufficient sulfur for new horn growth. Your veterinarian will be happy to advise you on this.
When treated consistently, thrush has a good prognosis. However, if perineal dermatitis is already present or if a clubfoot has developed, treatment takes longer and the prognosis is poorer.
The most important factor in preventing thrush is good stable hygiene. Daily, thorough mucking out and the use of a sufficient amount of absorbent bedding are essential. The best option is to keep your horse in an open stable or a paddock stall, which allows for more freedom of movement and less contact with feces. Muddy, feces-contaminated winter paddocks must be avoided at all costs.
Also, make sure to provide good hoof care. In addition to regular hoof trimming by your farrier or hoof care specialist, this includes daily cleaning and care of the hooves. If possible, horses that are particularly prone to thrush should not be shod.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace veterinary advice. Please contact your veterinary practice directly.
A perineal laceration refers to an injury to the perineum, the area between the vulva (the externally visible female reproductive organs) and the anus. It is one of the most common birth injuries in mares. A perineal laceration should always be treated surgically, unless it is very small.
Watery feces have become a common occurrence in horses. This refers to the passage of a blackish-brown, usually acidic liquid along with the feces. The feces themselves are normally shaped. Watery feces may be passed independently or along with the feces. In severe cases, it is excreted in a gush. It may be a persistent condition, occur only in winter or summer, or appear intermittently—for example, during stressful situations such as loading. Fecal water is far more than just a cosmetic problem.
Many pet owners start by comparing the monthly premium when looking at pet health insurance. 30 euros or 45 euros? Zero euros or a 250-euro deductible? 80 percent or 100 percent coverage? These questions are important, but they are by no means the deciding factor in whether a pet health insurance plan will actually cover the costs in an emergency. After all, two plans can both advertise “100 percent coverage” and still differ in their benefits—differences that could amount to several thousand euros down the line. That’s exactly why it’s worth taking a close look at the fine print. In this article, we’ll show you ten benefits that many pet owners overlook when signing up, but which can make a huge difference in an emergency.
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Infection with Angiostrongylus vasorum was first described in the 19th century in southern France, which is where the name “French heartworm” comes from. It commonly affects foxes and, less frequently, dogs, and is transmitted through the ingestion of snails. In Germany, French heartworm has only recently come under increased scrutiny, as the consequences of infection can be severe.
UV radiation in Central Europe has increased unexpectedly sharply in recent decades. This is primarily due to climate change and changes in cloud cover. Sunburn is a serious issue—and not just for us humans. UV radiation also causes skin damage in animals.
