Battling Hoof Thrush

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ljsyk

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Hi I have a barefoot cob that at the middle to end of June started getting thrush. Over the weeks it has got worse. I have had the vet to take a look and he said that treat twice a day with an Iodine solution, which I did, along with once a week scrub hooves with hibiscrub, and once a week treat with peroxide. The trush seems to be getting better but very very slowly. I cant think why he has got this, he is in the field with sheep, he does get his feet trimmed regularly, the only thing I can think of, I started feeding Formula For Feet back in March, I have read that a too rich diet can cause thrush. Nothing else has changed, I have used the same farrier since I bought him in Feb 2012. Im baffled as to why he has got it, and why its taking so long to clear up. Any advice/suggestions would be welcomed. thanks. :confused:
 
Thrush can be very difficult to get rid of in severe cases. There are anecdotal links to mineral deficiencies especially copper so a good quality balancer might help.

If the central sulcus is deep and it really is hanging on there is cleantrax to try but it does involve wearing a long (scary) boot and a lot of time. Red horse products get good reviews but also what works in one area may not in another and if it isn't working change product. Canestan is another thing that helps in some cases. Generally it's a case of getting diet right and the frog functioning well so it becomes stronger. Regular frog trimming is another problem for frogs, they need to develop a callousing and a thick outer shell that protects against infection.
 
Thank you for your reply. His feet are and have been in good condition, and even my farrier is bemused as to why he's got it. I think you may be right on the mineral deficiencies though. Can you suggest any???
 
Balancers with good levels of minerals aren't cheap. I use Forage Plus and now the hoof health winter version as all mine have restricted grazing and low sugar other forages. I have seen a huge improvement in frog health since using these balancers.

The frog needs also to work ie,get pressure and release to become and stay robust.

An interesting anecdote. A friend had a new farrier a couple of years ago and following his visit had an outbreak of thrush. Since then we have both wondered if organisms can be carried on tools.
 
Thrush is a nightmare! If you're looking for minerals to try, Pro Balance (Progressive Earth) seems to come out well for a good all round balancer. I bought a mare in January who had thrush. She'd been on a high sugar cereal mix and no minerals. I switched her to low/no sugar, restricted her grazing in spring and have been treating with dilute milton, purple spray, iodine solution and Silverfeet in rotation. It took a while but the thrush did clear eventually! Using a mix of products is supposed to be better as they attack the fungus/bacteria in different ways.

Also, I found that when she came in with feet full of sheep poo, the thrush would tend to flare up a bit again... not sure if I imagined that though and sheep are so good for the grazing!
 
I ve had a cob just like this, if treat it by spraying it with apple cider vinegar at least once a day - as this doesn` t damage any of the frog tissue this will keep it at bay, but the actual cause is too rich a diet!! cut back on the grass/ anything else full of sugar and do this and you` ll find it goes. then just spray when you feel the need or everyday.
 
NT Dry is a good product for thrush.
Also, I find Magic Cushion to be very good at warding it off if you start to see things get a bit black and smelly.
If it's bad, the best thing I have found to be the cow mastitis tubes that you get from the vet.
 
Just said on another thread - I wash the feet out with hibiscrub as often as needed, use Red Horse Field Paste after each wash (every four days or so), and apply neat eucalyptus oil daily after picking out.

Shy got it so bad that I had to use hoof boots until the frog had healed and become strong. He has had it on and off since I got him, as he was unhandled for two years.
 
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