Thrush – not just a winter problem?
Many horse owners are familiar with decay processes in the hoof area during winter. Horses are frequently turned out on unpaved paddocks, surrounded by a mixture of mud and feces. This environment can compromise the integrity of the hooves, fostering the growth of putrefactive pathogens.
In summer, when the pastures is dry, this is less of a concern. Nevertheless, many horses suffer from thrush in summer too. Unfavourable hoof shapes, such as deep grooves in the frog, can also lead to thrush.
External causes of thrush
Thrush is always a problem that comes from the ‘inside’. The frog in particular consists of soft horn that is permeated with immune cells that ensure that foreign germs cannot take hold. Various processes can, however, cause this natural immune defence to no longer work as it should. This includes, above all, poor blood circulation in the hoof area.
Possible causes include incorrect hoof trimming, restrictive shoeing or, more importantly, a lack of exercise.
If the pastures are rather small, not much larger than a winter paddock, then the amount of exercise is quite modest even in summer. When two or three problems occur at the same time, it is quite possible that the blood circulation in the hoof is so poor that hardly any immune cells can reach this area.
Internal causes of thrush
However, the cause is much more often found higher up, namely in the metabolism. The horse’s detoxification systems are exposed to a whole range of external and internal stresses. In addition to stress, internal stresses include, above all, the waste products that accumulate in the normal body metabolism, as well as the increased stresses that occur, for example, during a change of coat. Beyond essential medications such as fly spray, coat care products, worming treatment, sedatives, and vaccinations, external stresses encompass the presence of incorrect fermentation products resulting from a poorly functioning large intestine environment. Additionally, ingestion of plant toxins, exposure to agricultural sprays or chemicals, and microbiological stresses may occur when horses drink from puddles, poorly cleaned water containers or troughs, or if the wells have not been drilled deep enough and agricultural contaminants get into the drinking water.
When high levels of sugar, fructan, protein, or endophytes are introduced to the pasture grass, the metabolism quickly reaches the limit of its capacity.
The resulting “internal stress” weakens the immune system. In many horses, this weakening is evident in the hooves, particularly through issues like thrush. Additionally, repeated abscesses should be considered in connection with the immune system and a deficiency in detoxification.
Treating thrush
To combat such putrefaction processes, you naturally have to work locally A wide range of remedies are used traditionally, from iodoform ether to zinc ointment. Persistent infections that do not respond to conventional treatments may well be fungal infections, which can be successfully treated with a standard foot fungus cream from the pharmacy. For the most suitable local treatment options, it is advisable to consult with your hoof trimmer. They are familiar with your horse’s hooves and can recommend an appropriate solution.
Supporting the metabolism
The quickest way to relieve the metabolism is to stimulate kidney function so that more waste products are excreted in the urine. This can be accomplished with kidney-stimulating herbs, such as OKAPI Detox Herbs or OKAPI Moulting Support. Homeopathy also provides excellent remedies, with classics like Solidago or Berberis, as well as complex formulations like Solidago comp. (Heel) sometimes achieves a fantastic effect. Talk to your alternative animal practitioner about which homeopathic remedies are suitable for your horse.
Regenerating the mineral balance
To expedite the regeneration of hoof horn, it is essential to ensure an adequate supply of zinc and sulfur, in addition to providing a proper mineral feed (such as OKAPI Pure Minerals G, without synthetic vitamins). This can be achieved by administering zinc chelate and MSM (such as OKAPI Zinc Chelate Plus and OKAPI Sulphur Plus), alternated on a weekly basis. To normalise the mineral balance, combining mineral supplementation with the administration of Schüssler salts has proven beneficial. Zincum chloratum, Silicea, and Kalium sulfuricum are particularly effective for promoting hoof stability.
Additional external support
In addition, the supply situation in the hoof area can be significantly improved with thrush and also with poor hoof horn/horn growth if a cherry-sized amount of APM Cream (available from pharmacies) is massaged into the skin around the coronary band of all four hooves once a day. This ointment stimulates meridian function and, since all meridians begin or end at the coronet bands (so-called ting points), the entire meridian system can be stimulated, which benefits the overall metabolism as well as the hoof apparatus.
By combining local (germ reduction, hoof care, shoeing) and systemic therapy (detoxification, nutrition, exercise), thrush processes can be effectively addressed in the long term, preventing them from causing issues for the horse in both summer and winter. Restoring the metabolism to a healthy state is all that is needed to enable the immune system to deal with putrefactive germs in the hoof area all by itself.
🇬🇧 We are an experienced team of therapists specializing in feed consultation and integrated therapies for horses. With extensive experience in treating metabolic issues, we focus on natural, species-appropriate feeding and proven naturopathic remedies to enhance your horse's health. Benefit from our expertise to ensure the well-being of your horse.
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