Thrush
Symptoms
A thick black fluid is found coming from the frog. The area is foul smelling and soft, and the frog can be seen coming away from the rest of the hoof. The area is painful and irritating to the horse.
Cause
Usually due to being kept in a dirty stable or area, with excrement not being removed. Poor foot care, especially if the frog is overgrown also causes it by trapping dirt in the hoof.
Treatment
The hoof needs to be trimmed back and all infected areas removed. Antibiotics, iodine or formalin can then be placed all over the hoof twice a day. The horse should be kept in a clean environment at all times and a farrier should visit regularly for routine hoof care.
Please remember this information is provided as a guide only and professional advice should be sought before any diagnosis or treatment is applied.