How long does thrush last?

[MarvelVillis]

My gelding has had thrush in his left fore for the past couple of months. I was originally spraying it with apple cider vinegar and scrubbing with a wire brush but my farrier said to just spray it with purple spray every couple of days, which I've been doing. It seems to be getting better but considering he's had it since April/May it seems like a long time to clear up.

Therefore I was just after people's experiences of how long thrush lasts? This is the first time I've had a horse with thrush so it's all new to me. Is there anything I can be doing to help speed it up? I've recently changed his bedding to Burlybed Original (from straw) to ensure his feet are being kept dry.

I think I know what has likely caused his thrush - I was using a trimmer who was leaving his toes too long after a trim. He then got a sheared heel which I think has caused the thrush. He is also kept at a dairy farm so is on cow grass, but I've found a new livery yard which I'm moving him to next month which has better grazing.

 

[AFB]

How long is a piece of string!

Really though I think there are much better options for treating it than purple spray - try looking at Red Horse Products as a starting point - their sole cleanse & field paste are great, but I'm sure someone more experienced will be along with other treatment options soon.

 

[ycbm]

The sweet grass could be an issue. What else are you feeding him?
.

 

[MarvelVillis]

What are you feeding him?
.

He's currently on Thunderbrook base mix and chaff. He does have the hay the farmer supplies, which does have rye grass in so it's not ideal, but he'll be on meadow hay at the new livery yard.

 

[MarvelVillis]

How long is a piece of string!

Really though I think there are much better options for treating it than purple spray - try looking at Red Horse Products as a starting point - their sole cleanse & field paste are great, but I'm sure someone more experienced will be along with other treatment options soon.

Thank you. I've just ordered the sole cleanse and field paste after seeing some great reviews on dealing with thrush.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Thank you. I've just ordered the sole cleanse and field paste after seeing some great reviews on dealing with thrush.

While you are waiting for delivery, can I suggest that you get some tea-tree spray and treat the thrush with that. I did that and the infection had cleared up by the time the Red Horse stuff arrived. I must admit to loving tea-tree for most things, including as a fly repellant

 

[Ownedby4horses]

One of the best things I found to keep on tip of thrush was actually good old stockholm tar.

 

[holeymoley]

Check his diet.

For maintenance I like using Apple Cider Vinegar but when thrush has been present the only thing that's worked for mine was Kevin Bacon Hoof Solution.

 

[Gloi]

Sheep foot rot spray or the wound spray from the vet I've found works. If he has a deep sulcus get some on a thin strip of cloth and floss the sulcus

 

[Shay]

I've a cob who has had thrush for the last 8 weeks. Really badly until about 2 weeeks ago - now improving. I tried pretty much everything - the old standbys I've used for years, purple spray, copper sulphate, hibiscrub, stockholm tar. Red horse products on advice from here, iodine and honey, salt. Everything. He has never had it this bad before and never for this long. Cushings test negative. The only thing I found that really made a difference was the Kevin Bacon hoof solution. Painted every day for a week then down to every 3/4 days. Defnitely things are on the mend now. Scary time though. Lots of horses have to have thrust problems at the moment.

 

[Polos Mum]

I think many horses have low level thrush for years that isn't treated.

I second or third red horse stuff - it cleared it in mine when lots of other things hadn't worked at all. Different bacteria will be causing it in different horses which I would guess is why some treatments work on some and not on others - bit of trial and error unfortunately.

 

[Follysmum]

I use Apple cider vinegar The mothers
As a preventative each week or sole cleanse. Kevin bacons is fantastic if you have a big flare up. It absolutely stinks vile but it definitely clears it up

 

[MarvelVillis]

I've a cob who has had thrush for the last 8 weeks. Really badly until about 2 weeeks ago - now improving. I tried pretty much everything - the old standbys I've used for years, purple spray, copper sulphate, hibiscrub, stockholm tar. Red horse products on advice from here, iodine and honey, salt. Everything. He has never had it this bad before and never for this long. Cushings test negative. The only thing I found that really made a difference was the Kevin Bacon hoof solution. Painted every day for a week then down to every 3/4 days. Defnitely things are on the mend now. Scary time though. Lots of horses have to have thrust problems at the moment.

Thank you - I've seen a few recommendations for the KB hoof solution so will definitely give that a try if the red horse products don't clear it up. Glad to hear your cob's thrush has improved!

 

[SEL]

My heavy draft suffers on his more quirky shaped feet. Sheep rot foot spray is great if he doesn't have a hissy fit at the spray noise but sudocream until your red horse stuff turns up is good.

 

[C1airey]

To add another option to the list: Anti-bac. Has the added benefit of clearing your sinuses with each application too.

 

[Kat]

A horse will continue to have thrush until it is cleared by addressing any dietary issues and using a suitable topical treatment. It may clear itself if you have a long spell of dry weather and it is a mild case but not often.

Many horses have thrush at a low level that isn't picked up by vets and farriers.

The red horse products are good. While you are waiting for them there are lots of options for treating it. Soaking in milton is effective, as is a spray of tea tree and cider vinegar, or iodine.

 

[Nudibranch]

Just be aware of bacteria from the feet of other animals. Cows and sheep both spread foot rot bacteria which causes thrush. We have sheep in and it's a regular problem.
Iodine is a good instant treatment although I have to admit I caved in and bought field paste after not believing the Red Horse hype for many years. It really is amazing stuff! I think because it sticks it works really well.
Diet - low sugar, balanced minerals, salt.

 

[QueenT]

Check his diet.

For maintenance I like using Apple Cider Vinegar but when thrush has been present the only thing that's worked for mine was Kevin Bacon Hoof Solution.

Kevin Bacon Hoof Solution is also my absolutely favourite thrush product. We are talking days, not months!

 

[MarvelVillis]

Thanks all. I used the Red Horse sole cleanse and it cleared it up within a few days. Farrier came out today and said it's looking great so happy days!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Just be aware of bacteria from the feet of other animals. Cows and sheep both spread foot rot bacteria which causes thrush. We have sheep in and it's a regular problem.
Iodine is a good instant treatment although I have to admit I caved in and bought field paste after not believing the Red Horse hype for many years. It really is amazing stuff! I think because it sticks it works really well.
Diet - low sugar, balanced minerals, salt.

We have sheep and don't have thrush regularly, or foot problems in the sheep, either. My Draft mare did have a foot problem just before she started on Prascend. I sprayed it with tea-tree oil while I waited for the Red Horse products to be delivered. It had cleared up by the time of the delivery.

 

[Nudibranch]

I should have said, if the cows and sheep have foot rot they can spread it (which the sheep round here often do). Depends on the .management by the farmer ultimately, but you can treat horses successfully until the cows come home - no pun intended - but if the cross grazers carry it you end up with a continual cycle of reinfection.

 

[Henry02]

I’ve used medicated body powder from home bargains (99p a bottle) for what I suspected was a bit of low level thrush in one of my horses. Worked a treat.

it probably wouldn’t shift anything serious, but I always have some in the medicine cupboard now!