You put your horse in the cross ties and lift their foot to pick their hoof. That's when you see it. That's when you smell it. Black, foul-smelling ooze on your horse's hoof. Thrush may be a common infection, but it is not something to toy with. Thrush will destroy the hoof if left alone and cause lameness. So, what can you do if your horse gets thrush? What can you do if you want to prevent thrush? Choosing the right thrush treatment is your only offense and your only defense. Let's dive deep into what thrush is, how to get rid of it, and how to keep it at bay.
What is Thrush in Horses
Thrush is a bacterial infection of a portion of your horse's hoof called the frog. Thrush will attack the grooves on either side of the frog, called the collateral sulci, and the central sulcus, otherwise known as the middle of the frog. While fungus can also cause thrush, the most common bacteria causing thrush is called Fusobacterium Necrophorum. This bacterium is also a common cause of infection in the gastrointestinal tract. The bacteria and fungi that cause thrush are not contagious, but they will continue to spread and cause damage to the frog if left untreated.
What causes thrush in horses
Thrush is commonly thought to be caused by wet and dirty environments, but there is more to the infection than meets the eye. Horse hooves are ergonomically designed to keep out disease, however, certain factors can cause the hoof to be unable to self-clean. Some of the causes of thrush include:
- An abnormal hoof shape, such as deep and narrow grooves.
- Chronic lameness and poor circulation of the foot.
- Poor maintenance of hoofs and improper trimming.
- Horses that do not receive sufficient exercise, stay in their stalls for too long, or have a poor diet are at risk of developing thrush.
How to identify thrush in horses
Thrush is generally diagnosed based on sight and smell. It has a strong, strong, foul odor and a black, oily ooze. Other signs include pain or sensitivity to the hoof or leg. Your vet may also use a hoof tester to check for pain along different parts of the hoof.
How to prevent your horse from getting thrush
Prevention starts with good, regular, professional hoof care to ensure your horse’s hooves are well-supported and trimmed smoothly. The farrier’s work will ensure your horse maintains proper low distribution, promoting circulation. Make sure your horse sees a reputable farrier at regular intervals. Daily, you should pick out your horse's feet to remove dirt, rocks, manure, and any other debris, and make sure to use the brush to clean out the sulci of the hoof.
Exercise is crucial, and should be daily, to promote blood flow in the hoof and overall health. And, of course, keeping your horse in a clean and dry environment with stall cleaning regularly done to remove urine, moisture, and manure is essential.
How to Treat Thrush in Horses
Luckily, because thrush is so common, there are many ways to treat thrush in horses. It’s so important we’ll say it twice: provide dry, clean flooring for your horse, and be diligent in keeping their stall as clean as possible. Also, follow a strict regimen of hoof cleaning every day. This is good whether or not your horse has thrush or not! In addition, you can use the following treatments for thrush:
- Topical treatments (commercial thrush remedies): A variety of commercial thrush remedies are available on the market today. Everything from Kopertox to Thrush Buster products not only kills the organisms that cause thrush, but many create water-resistant protection so that you do not have to bandage the hoof. The cons are that some of these remedies can be pricey and have to be something you may not be able to grab quickly. They can also take some time to come off your body if you accidentally get them on your clothes or hands!
- Home remedies and DIY treatments:Treatment doesn't necessarily mean running to the store: iodine, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide can treat thrush. These remedies, often found in any medicine cabinet or kept for cleaning, work best with mild cases, so if your horse has a severe case, home remedies and DIY treatments are probably not your best bet. These remedies can also sting, especially if the infection has broken down the tissue, making it difficult for you to treat your horse. One note of caution: some DIYers suggest using a 50/50 mix of bleach and water. Never use anything caustic on your horse's hoof, as these methods can harm your foot and do more harm than good. Always talk to your vet before applying a homemade solution.
- Veterinary-prescribed treatment.Horses with advanced cases of thrush may be administered oral or injectable antibiotics to kill the bacteria or prescribed an antifungal. Your vet may also want to work with your farrier to perform more extensive cleaning to remove dead and infected tissue. In some severe cases, a vet will add a hospital plate to the hoof and give your horse a tetanus shot. These treatments are best for horses who have significant thrush infection. They can also be costly, and antibiotics have side effects, such as stomach upset and potential allergies.
The Best Thrush Treatment and Preventative Products for Horses
In our experience, the best thrush treatment and prevention for horses includes a combination of products, such as Mustad Thrush Buster, Kopertox, hoof oil, and more!
- Mustad Thrush Buster
- Kopertox
- Farrier’s Fix Hoof Oil
- Woof Wear Medical Hoof Boot
- Dura-Tech® Protective Rubber Horse Boot
Mustad Thrush Buster lasts up to eight days without reapplication...even in the wettest, muddiest terrain. A single application relieves the agonizing, crippling effects of thrush and dramatically reduces the chances of reinfection. This treatment forms a clean barrier and deters the penetration of dirt and manure into the healthy frog. Its unique color tells you where it's doing the job, with a fresh coat needed only where the color has faded. Mustad Thrush Buster can be used before applying sole pads and silicon to toughen thin-soled feet.
Recommended as an aid in treating horses and ponies with thrush, Kopertox is water-resistant protection for treating thrush. It’s also effective for treating thrush, hoof rot, and ringworm. This thrush treatment contains the active ingredient Copper Naphthenate (37.5%), which kills thrush infection.
Farriers' Fix Hoof Oil has all-natural ingredients. and will test negative under FEI guidelines. The unique all-natural formula is developed for health and healing and helps balance moisture contact. Proven to fight bacteria that cause thrush and white line disease, it also effectively treats sore feet, dry, cracked hooves, quarter cracks, and bruising.
This close-fitting medical hoof boot can be used in the stall or for turnout to keep wounds clean and hoof dressings intact, making it perfect for treating thrush. The medical boot features a durable Kevlar interior, a rugged grooved sole for optimal traction, and an asymmetrical zipper for a snug fit. This boot is designed to fit tightly, so measuring the width carefully is imperative to order the correct size to maximize the benefits of the boot. Using these hoof boots with bell boots or overreach boots is recommended to prevent damage if the horse steps on the boots.
These protective rubber horse boots are ideal for hoof protection between trims or when a horse loses a shoe, needs some extra support when barefoot, and prevent bacterial and fungal growth from occurring. The 1" wide adjustable web strap holds the boots secure, and the rubber traction on the bottom has a non-slip finish. These boots are not intended for riding.
FAQ: Thrush in Horses
What is thrush in horses?
Thrush in horses is a common bacterial or fungal infection that primarily affects the frog of the hoof. It often results from poor hoof hygiene and wet, muddy conditions. The infection produces a distinct foul odor and a black, moist discharge around the frog area. If left untreated, thrush can lead to lameness and more severe hoof issues.
What causes thrush in horses?
Thrush typically develops when horses stand in wet, dirty, or unsanitary environments for extended periods. Contributing factors include:
- Poor stall or pasture management
- Lack of regular hoof cleaning
- Deep hoof clefts that trap debris and moisture
- Imbalance in the hoof structure, creating pockets that harbor bacteria
How do you tell if a horse has thrush?
You can identify thrush by inspecting your horse’s hooves for these signs:
- Strong, unpleasant odor from the hoof
- Black or dark discharge around the frog
- Sensitivity or pain when cleaning the hoof
- Soft, spongy frog tissue
- Noticeable deep crevices around the frog
Early detection is key for effective hoof thrush treatment and avoiding long-term hoof damage.
How to identify thrush in horses?
Regularly picking out and inspecting your horse's hooves is crucial. Look for:
- Deep, infected sulcus (central groove of the frog)
- Discoloration (black, dark gray, or greenish areas)
- Bad smell that persists after cleaning
- Horse flinching or pulling away during hoof care
Consult your farrier or veterinarian if you suspect an infection to confirm diagnosis and treatment options.
What is the best treatment for thrush in horse hooves?
The best treatment for thrush in horse hooves includes:
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying the hoof daily
- Trimming affected areas to expose the infection to air
- Applying a thrush-specific topical treatment (such as commercial thrush treatments containing copper sulfate or iodine-based solutions)
- Improving stable and turnout conditions to keep hooves dry
For severe cases, veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Does apple cider vinegar work for hoof thrush?
Apple cider vinegar can be an effective natural treatment for mild cases of thrush. Its acidity helps create an environment that discourages bacterial and fungal growth.
To use it:
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (50/50 solution)
- Spray or soak the hoof daily until symptoms improve
However, for moderate to severe thrush, stronger commercial treatments are recommended for faster results.
Is hydrogen peroxide good for thrush in horses?
Hydrogen peroxide can help clean and disinfect a thrush-infected hoof by killing surface bacteria and fungi. However, it should be used cautiously:
- Use a diluted solution to avoid irritating healthy hoof tissue
- Avoid prolonged use, as it can dry out and damage the frog
- Always follow up with a moisturizer or thrush-specific hoof care product
For persistent infections, choose a product formulated specifically for hoof thrush treatment.
A thrush infection may sound daunting, but if caught early, it can be remedied quickly. Mild cases can show improvement within a week of cleaning and treatment. More severe cases however can take several months for the frog and hoof tissue to grow healthy. However, once treated, maintaining daily care, including keeping your horse's hooves clean, their stall dry and free from wet spots, and providing regular exercise, can help keep thrush at bay and keep your horse happy and healthy.
