At one time or another, most horse owners have been faced with thrush. Thrush is essentially a bacterial infection. Many people believe thrush to be related to a yeast infection, or other type of fungal infection. The thrush attacks the hooves of the horse, and can be very unpleasant for the owner to treat, and very uncomfortable for the horse to experience. It is a good idea to learn to recognize thrush so that you can treat your horse efficiently and effectively.

The symptoms of thrush are quite noticeable. They usually include a black discharge coming out of the hoof. The discharge will resemble tar in both its color andconsistency . In addition to its distinct appearance, the discharge will also be quite smelly in nature. It is important to check each day as you pick your horse’s hooves for these signs of thrush. Do not wait until it is out of hand to take note of its presence.

The thrush generally attacks the frog of the hoof, and causes it to rot. Along with the discharge, you might also notice that your horse is reacting to the condition. The hooves, and especially the frog, may be painful to the touch. Depending on the stage of the thrush and your horse’s sensitivity, he might even come up lame.

It is so important to treat thrush early in the game. If left untreated, the bacteria may spread through the sole of the hoof into your horse’s entire leg and body. As the thrush spreads, it becomes more and more difficult to treat. Call your farrier at the first signs of thrush. He will most likely come to trim the hooves and provide guidance for daily treatment that you can do on your own.

Prevent thrush by practicing good hoof hygiene. Pick the hooves on a daily basis. Keep the stall and pasture clean for your horse. Regular exercise and a high quality diet help to keep the hooves strong, and your horse healthy.