Thrush

Thrush is one of the most common conditions that affect the hooves. It is a bacterial and fungal infection that occurs in the tissues surrounding the frog, often resulting in degeneration of the tissues. Smelly, dark discharge in the grooves of the frog are also typical with this condition, and it often causes symptoms of pain when touched. 

What causes it? 

• Wet conditions where mud, manure and other debris can get wedged around the frog and allow bacteria to multiply
• Lack of exercise and movement, which can help clean out the grooves
• Improper hoof care e.g. not picking hooves out regularly

 What are the treatment options and how can I prevent it?

Treatment involved the removal of necrotic tissue by your farrier or veterinarian. The affected hooves are usually then cleaned daily with diluted iodine solution or antifungal/antibacterial products.

Prevention includes stabling in a clean and dry environment, keeping up good hoof hygiene and maintaining hoof balance.  Regular exercise will assist with the hoof’s natural cleaning mechanisms.

Abscesses

Hoof abscesses develop when bacterial or fungal organisms enter the structure of the hoof through a wound or opening. This subsequently causes an infection in the inner tissues. These invading organisms cause pressure to increase inside the hoof, resulting in pain and lameness. Heat and swelling in the foot is very common, along with a pounding digital pulse. If left untreated, abscess can lead to permanent damage.

What causes it?

Bacteria in the hoof capsule, usually caused by a structural defect, wound or opening.

• Foreign objects such as nails, screws, glass or bits of wood – these can penetrate the hoof
• Horseshoe nails that are placed where the hoof wall meets the sole
• Wet conditions can cause the hoof to soften – bacteria may then find it easier to get into the hoof
• Brittle hooves usually mean cracks, which can invite bacteria in
• Improper hoof management can weaken hoof structures and cause fissures
• Nutritional deficiencies can compromise the integrity of the hoof

What are the treatment options and how can I prevent it?

Reducing pain, relieving pressure, ensuring drainage, eliminating infection and allowing hoof tissues to heal are the key steps in treatment. Your vet will be able to support by providing guidance on how best to treat and manage symptoms of pain. This could include establishing a drainage tract, medications, poultices and wraps.

Full recovery will require regrowth of the hoof tissue to form a solid structure where the abscess was. This can be achieved by providing nutritional support and keeping up with appropriate farrier care. 

Laminitis

This condition occurs when the laminae which connect the coffin bone to the outer wall become weakened and lose their basal attachment. It can range from mild to severe and can include symptoms such as heat, increased digital pulse, reluctance to move, muscular tension and odd stances to alleviate pain.

There are also usually visible signs of laminitis in the hooves such as;

• Changes to the shape and angle of the hoof
• Rings on the outer hoof wall that are wider at the heel and narrow at the toe
• Grooves or indents just above the coronet band
• Softening coronet band
• Bruising on the sole

What causes it?

There are many causes of Laminitis, but there are three common subsections

Hormonal – Up to 90% of laminitis cases are linked to underlying hormonal disorders such as PPID or EMS. These conditions often result in high insulin levels, which can contribute to laminitis.

• Inflammatory – Overloading the digestive system with sugar and starch can mean that undigested nutrients end up in the hindgut and breakdown rapidly. This can cause damage in the gut and release toxins, which can affect the bloody supply to the laminae and increase risk.
• Mechanical – This is quite a broad term but can include abnormal weight bearing (due to injury or conditions that prevent them from putting weight on one leg), overworking and improper hoof care

What are the treatment options and how can I prevent it?

Treatment options will often depend on the severity of the case, but often focus on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, supporting structures and combating any underlying issues that may be contributing to laminitis. This will often include remedial farriery and nutritional support. 

White Line Disease

This disease destroys the inner tissue layers of the hoof wall. Not all horses with this disease will exhibit lameness, it depends on the severity, A powdery hoof wall without solid layers is common, and when tapped with a hammer it may produce a hollow sound. Cavities may also fill with grey or white crumbly material. 

As separation moves upwards, the hoof wall may flare and create a concave or dished appearance.

What causes it?

Similar to abscesses, this occurs from bacterial and fungal invasion into the structures, usually through a crack or separation. Other factors include;

• Excessively wet or dry conditions
• Hoof capsule distortions such as long toes or sheared heels
• Poor nutrition and mineral imbalances

What are the treatment options and how can I prevent it?

Remedial farriery and vet support is important. Treatment will usually involve removing damaged sections of hoof wall to expose the infection to air. Topical agents may be applied until healthy tissues return. A hoof wall resection will take several months to a year to grow back.

You can reduce risk by keeping up with farriery and hoof hygiene, providing a balanced diet and necessary supplementation and ensuring your horse has access to dry standing areas.

Navicular Disease

This is a long-term condition that affects the navicular bone and surrounding structures. It usually results in lameness and other symptoms of pain, changes in gait and stance, and changes in hoof structure. There is no cure for navicular disease. 

What causes it?

As this disease affects multiple structures in the foot, it’s believed that there are several factors that can increase the risk of navicular syndrome.  These factors include;

• Genetic factors that contribute to poor nutrient channels
• Age (over ten years)
• Weight
• Injury resulting in poor blood supply to the foot
• Conformational issues such as having small feet for their height and weight
• Workload – repeated tight turns, sudden stops or working on hard ground can increase stress to the bone over time

How can I prevent it?

You can’t always prevent navicular disease, but good care can lower the risk.

• Regular, good quality farriery is essential to keep hooves balanced.
• Sensible exercise regimes with rest in between
• Managing a healthy weight
• Balanced diet and nutritional support

Summary

Whilst there is a broad range of conditions that can affect the hoof, and not all of them are preventable, there is a pattern of steps that can be taken to reduce risk. Farrier care, hygiene, movement and good quality nutrition are the pillars to influence strong, well-connected and resilient hooves. 

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