How to Eliminate Thrush...
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In order to eliminate thrush, we need to understand what kind of conditions promote the growth of bacteria, fungus, mold, and spores. Unfortunately, these microorganisms are abundant in our horse's daily environments. This means their feet are constantly exposed!
In order to thrive, thrush needs three components:
- Moisture: we have plenty of that in our environments in the northeastern US
- Heat: the horse's foot is warmer than the surrounding environment, so attracts microorganisms
- Something to eat: necrotic tissue of the hoof or since many micro-organisms are symbiotic, they can feed off each other!
Therefore in order to eliminate thrush there are several factors that must be managed:
- Initially eliminating current infection of bacteria, fungus, mold, and spores
- maintaining an anti-microbial environment on a continuing basis once initial infection is treated
- managing the amount of moisture your horse's feet are exposed to
While this may seem like an insurmountable task, I assure you it's very achievable with a few helpful tips:
- Clean Trax once or twice a year, preferably right after a trim. (click here to learn more about Clean Trax)
- After Clean Trax, treat frogs and white line with a non-necrotizing topical as often as possible (click here for a list of approved topicals)
- Control moisture exposure to your horse's feet with Desitin. Yes, baby diaper rash cream! (click here to learn more on applying Desitin to your horse's feet!)
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