Needs a professional
Thrush
A bacterial breakdown of the frog with a strong rotten smell and black, greasy discharge.
⚠ Needs a professional
This is a recognition page, not a treatment guide. If you suspect this problem, call your vet or farrier. Do not treat it yourself.
How to recognise it
- A clear, unpleasant rotten smell when picking out the hoof.
- Black, greasy or crumbly discharge in and beside the grooves of the frog.
- A soft, mushy frog that looks ragged.
- Usually no lameness, unless the breakdown reaches deeper tissue.
How urgent
Thrush is usually not an emergency, but it is a sign that the environment is too wet or dirty and that hoof care needs to improve. Left untreated it can go deeper and become painful.
Do not do yourself
- Do not cut away the affected frog yourself; that belongs to the farrier or vet.
- Do not use caustic or undiluted chemicals in the hoof without advice.
- Do not leave the horse standing in the same wet, dirty conditions.
When to call a professional
Have the farrier or vet assess and tidy the frog, and ask their advice on a suitable product. Alongside that, provide a dry, clean stable and pick the hooves out daily.
Discover more
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual · Merck Veterinary Manual.