About Thrush
Thrush is an infection of the hoof caused by bacteria and/or fungi and usually involves multiple types of organisms. It can range in severity from a mild, more topical case to extremely serious manifestations affecting the inner anatomy of the hoof.

It usually appears as a gray/black foul smelling substance but it may also be invisible to the eye with no smell at all. Predisposing causes of thrush include a wet unsanitary environment, erratic hoof care, reduced blood supply, diet, decreased movement, overgrown ragged frogs and hoof shape (i.e. long, contracted or high heels which produce deep clefts).

If caught and treated early on there are usually no residual issues, but left untreated or undiagnosed it can cause serious hoof damage and/or even lameness.

Common Symptoms of Thrush
(Courtesy of Linda Cowles and www.HealthyHoof.com)

	Resistance to having feet picked up and cleaned/inspected
	A sensitive/painful frog, usually with a deep central cleft
	Toe first landing, even when the foot looks healthy
	Hoof wall separation, flat soles, high bars and a sunken frog
	Irregular hoof wear patterns due to a compromised gait
	"Wry" or Twisted Hooves -- created when the horse walks on inner or outer walls leaving one side worn down (sometimes into the live sole) and the opposite side longer
	Thin, scrawny, distorted or displaced frogs
	Growing tall bars that are active and may extend around the frog
	Contracted heels that won't relax and spread
	Club feet that began mid-life, or after an injury or laminitic attack
	Seasonal soundness issues

If your horse has a significant case of thrush please be aware that it will take a lot of effort to get rid of it including multiple soaks and topical spray applications. If you find that your schedule does not allow for these necessary treatments please call to set up an appointment schedule with us.

We will come prepared with Hoof-ReNew solution and a pair of EasyCare EasySoaker boots and we will soak your horse's hooves as often as needed. Hoof-ReNew is a super-fast, non-necrotizing soak designed to target infected material while preserving healthy tissue. Soak the infected hooves no longer then 20 minutes as often as directed by your hoof care practitioner. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2), the primary germicide in Hoof-ReNew, is an incredibly effective broad-spectrum, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal agent that does not produce toxic by-products.