Thrush and what you can do about it
Every horse owner knows it and has had to deal with it at least once – thrush.
Thrush is a bacterial disease of the horse’s hoof. The soft frog horn of the hoof is decomposed by putrefactive bacteria.
Consequences of thrush
If thrush is not treated, the disease can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause blood poisoning in the horse. However, the horse’s body defends itself so strongly against this bacterial infection that damage to organs and tissue can occur. Preventing thrush is therefore particularly important.
How do I recognize thrush?
Thrush is relatively easy to recognize when the horse is cared for regularly. Particularly typical is the foul odor that becomes noticeable when the hooves are scratched out and/or a dark liquid escapes in the process. If you are unsure whether frog rot is present, you can simply press a cotton swab into the frog furrow and if this becomes saturated with a dark liquid, then an infection is present.
Other signs include cavities forming in the frog of the hoof and a detaching horn.
Causes and treatment
Poor hygiene is the most common cause of infection. A poorly mucked-out horse stall, for example, is a paradise for the bacteria, since the dung accumulates, among other things, feed residues, damp straw and hay, as well as feces and urine. So if not mucked out well, the horse’s hoof also softens due to the constant moisture and thus becomes more susceptible to bacteria found in the dung.
However, grooming, such as scraping the hoof, also contributes massively to the prevention of infections, as it prevents the bacteria from settling.
However, if an infection occurs despite hygiene measures, thorough cleaning and subsequent avoidance of moisture is necessary.
With Sanocyn forte: 5 steps to cleaning
Sanocyn forte is a pH-neutral solution for wound cleansing. It is based on a new technology, HOCL (hyperchlorous acid), which is safe for humans and animals, as this acid is also used in natural defense processes. Thus, the preservative HOCL in Sanocyn forte does not damage healthy tissue and is extremely effective in eliminating viruses and bacteria:
- carefully clean affected areas with a hoof scraper
- spray hoof and frog generously with the Sanocyn forte hoof, skin and wound solution and thus rinse them
- allow Sanocyn forte solution to dry in for optimum effect
- then spray with Sanocyn forte hoof, skin and wound hydrogel for prolonged protection of the wound area
- apply several times a day
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Itchy skin on your pet?
One of the most occurring reasons to visit a vet is itchy skin. It is an urgent problem that causes discomfort for the pet as well as for its owner. If you identify itchy skin in your pet, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. Let’s discuss what you should expect from your appointment.