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Q. What is Thrush?A. Thrush is a moist exudative dermatitis that specifically involves the areas around the frog on the sole and heel surface of a horses hoof. Thrush has a characteristic black odorous discharge caused from bacterial proliferation. The bacteria can create enough damage to sensitive tissues that the animal may experience pain as well as lameness.
Horses acquire thrush by lack of proper trimming and foot care. Increased depth of the sulci around the frog allows packing of organic material in the foot. A poor hoof care maintenance program contributes greatly to thrush. Organic material which packs around the frog, such as an accumulation of moist sawdust or manure will create an environment in which excessive bacterial development occurs. Keeping the hoof dry and cleaned out on a daily basis helps to prevent thrush.
The first symptom a caregiver may notice is a foul odor when cleaning the hoof. As symptoms progress, a blackened, moist discharge or blackened necrotic (dead) tissue may be present in the crevices of the bottom of the foot (sulci). If the condition has progressed sufficiently, the animal may show evidence of lameness or tenderness when it’s feet are being picked out or when it is asked to move.
Q. How do I apply the pads?
1. Holding the hoof in one hand, take a hoof pick and clean the hoof and sulci of the hoof and frog of all loose debris and dead tissue.
2. Remove a single moistened cotton dental roll from the container.
3. Place the roll over the affected area (use one pad for each area to be medicated) and the press the cotton into the sulci (or under the shoe or pad), with the hoof pick.
4. Press the cotton just enough to insure that a snug purchase is achieved.
5. Replace pads once daily.
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