Thrush

[StoptheCavalry]

Could thrush alone cause a horse to be very lame? Not sure if anyone gas seen my previous post re putting shoes back on. I had been adamant there was no sign of thrush but today when checking his feet he is noticeable land on his left fore. And there is now evidence of thrush. He won't pick up his other feet as he obviously doesn't want to put all his weight on the sore foot.

 

[paddy555]

Could thrush alone cause a horse to be very lame? Not sure if anyone gas seen my previous post re putting shoes back on. I had been adamant there was no sign of thrush but today when checking his feet he is noticeable land on his left fore. And there is now evidence of thrush. He won't pick up his other feet as he obviously doesn't want to put all his weight on the sore foot.

yes it is very painful and if it is bad can be very sore.
It could be in the central sulchus. Try poking hard (whilst being very careful) with a hoofpick in the sulchus. How deep is the sulchus? is it wide and fairly flat and clean or a deep cleft? Have a really good poke around the rest of the frog. Any reactions?

If you are doubtful there is nothing to stop you treating it for thrush. Daily scrubbing right down to the bottom of the sulchus and sudocrem. After around 5 days or so you should notice less soreness/lameness if it is sore from thrush. That may give you an answer.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

Yes, absolutely. The pain can cause a horse to put weight on a different part of the foot, snatching when picking feet out is a common sign.

Lots of recommendations for treating a bad case of thrush on here and generally on the internet. Just find what works for you. Thrush is far more common than people realise and is often missed.

 

[StoptheCavalry]

I ended up bringing him in for a proper clean as I couldn't actually get him to pick any of his other feet up he was so reluctant to bare any weight on this one and while I think there may be a little thrushyness comparing to the others (with a little distraction of food) I don't think it is so significant to make him as sore as he is. I had a good poke around and he wasn't particularly sensitive at all. I am not wondering if it could be an abscess.... Actually to be honest I have no idea what on earth is wrong with him. I have scrubbed and treated for thrush and he's having a night in to allow his feet to dry out a bit and will reassess in the morning. Just when I was so certain it was footiness I'm not sure now!