Thrush in Horses: Causes, Signs, Treatment, and How Scootboots Can Help

Thrush is a common bacterial infection that affects the soft tissue of a horse’s frog and surrounding grooves, often caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, a bacteria commonly found in soil, mud, and manure.

This bacteria thrives in damp, dirty, low-oxygen environments such as deep frog clefts packed with debris. 

When hooves are not kept clean and dry, the bacteria can multiply and begin breaking down healthy frog tissue. 

The infection is characterised by a strong, foul smell and a black discharge, and if left untreated, it can lead to pain and lameness. 

Treatment requires daily cleaning and the use of topical antiseptics.

Signs and Symptoms

• Foul Smell: Often the first sign, a pungent odor may be noticed before visual symptoms appear.
  
  
• Black Discharge: Thick, oily, black discharge in the frog clefts is a key indicator.
  
  
• Tissue Damage: The frog may appear soft, ragged, or decaying.
  
  
• Sensitivity: Horses may resist having their feet handled or show signs of lameness if the infection reaches sensitive tissues.
  
  

Causes of Thrush

• Wet or Unsanitary Conditions: Standing in mud, manure, or wet bedding creates a perfect environment.
  
  
• Poor Hoof Hygiene: Infrequent cleaning allows debris and bacteria to accumulate.
  
  
• Hoof Conformation: Narrow heels or deep, tight clefts trap bacteria and are harder to clean.
  
  
• Reduced Movement: Limited exercise can reduce blood flow to the hoof, increasing susceptibility.
  
  
• Diet: High sugar and starch diets may contribute to thrush development.
  
  

How to Manage and Treat Thrush

• Keep Hooves Clean and Dry: Remove soiled tissue and maintain a dry environment.
  
  
• Daily Cleaning: Use a hoof pick and brush to remove debris and monitor for early signs of infection.
  
  
• Topical Treatments: Apply antiseptics such as iodine, chlorhexidine, or commercial thrush remedies to the affected area.
  
  
• Farrier Care: A farrier can trim away damaged tissue and improve hoof shape to prevent recurrence.
  
  
• Veterinary Advice: If infection persists or lameness develops, consult a veterinarian promptly.
  
  

Mild cases may improve within a week of daily cleaning and treatment. 

Severe cases may take several months for the frog and sole to grow healthy tissue. 

Leaving thrush untreated can result in pain, toe-first landings, stress on the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), navicular changes, and further hoof complications.

Preventing Thrush

Prevention is always better than cure. The following practices reduce the risk of thrush:

1. Maintain a Clean, Dry Environment: Remove manure and wet bedding daily. Improve drainage in paddocks and stalls.
   
   
2. Regular Hoof Cleaning: Pick hooves daily and inspect for early signs of thrush or other infections.
   
   
3. Consistent Hoof Care: Schedule trims with a professional hoof trimmer every four to six weeks to maintain healthy hoof conformation.
   
   
4. Hoof Care Products: Use antibacterial and antifungal hoof dressings to protect against infection.
   
   
5. Balanced Diet: Provide nutrients like biotin, zinc, copper, selenium, and methionine to support strong, healthy hooves.
   
   

Even with careful prevention, thrush can still occur.

In those cases, persistence and daily care are key.

How Scootboots Can Help

The Scootboot TheraRide is a therapeutic hoof boot designed for both therapy and riding.

It supports horses with hoof health conditions, including thrush, by:

• Protecting sensitive hooves during recovery and activity.
  
  
• Providing shock absorption to reduce strain on the hoof capsule and joints.
  
  
• Allowing mobility for older horses and those transitioning to barefoot.
  
  
• Ensuring excellent ventilation and drainage to keep hooves clean and dry.
  
  
• Accommodating pads to support healing without excessive pressure on the infection site.
  
  

Using Scootboots during thrush treatment can help your horse remain comfortable while encouraging natural frog stimulation, which supports long-term hoof health.

Thrush is a common but manageable hoof infection. 

Recognizing the signs early, keeping hooves clean, and working with a farrier or veterinarian are essential steps. 

Scootboots can be a valuable tool to protect and support your horse’s hooves during treatment and recovery. 

With consistent care, you can prevent thrush from causing lasting damage and help your horse maintain healthy, comfortable hooves.

Shop Scootboots Now