The cool fall weather brings more than just bright leaves and crisp air. It also brings challenges for your horse’s hooves. As the climate shifts from wet to dry and back again, the constant cycle creates ideal conditions for infections and structural hoof issues. Fall hoof care is essential to protect against thrush, white line disease, and abscesses while also maintaining strong, healthy hooves through proper nutrition and farrier care. Here’s what to watch for this season and how to keep your horse’s hooves in peak condition.
Thrush
Thrush is an infection of the frog, often recognized by a thick, black discharge and a foul odor when cleaning out hooves. It thrives in damp, muddy conditions, which are common in fall, and can lead to hoof sensitivity or soreness if left untreated.
A healthy hoof in a clean, dry climate is the best way to avoid thrush, but unfortunately, that’s just not always the case. Luckily, we have many available treatment options to combat this common infection.
SteriHoof Hoof Treatment Spray from MacKinnon Ice Horse is rapidly gaining popularity as a go-to for thrush treatment. Unlike many other effective remedies, SteriHoof is a non-staining formula, making it easy to apply mess-free. SteriHoof’s patented formula also will not cause a burning sensation upon application, which is common amongst other hoof antifungals. Remember, it is important to stick to a thrush treatment regimen until the infection is fully subsided to avoid recurrence of the infection.
Another go-to for thrush treatment is Jim Riken’s Foot Formula. This formula is not only designed to treat the thrush but will also help alleviate soreness on the hoof sole or frog. Its ingredients promote overall hoof health in combination with the thrush treatment.
No Thrush by Four Oaks Farm Ventures is another option with a unique formula, and the first ever dry thrush treatment! The all-natural ingredients are ground into a fine powder that provides excellent coverage of the hoof. The powder is easily able to penetrate deep crevices of the hoof where bacteria like to hide.
White Line Disease
White line disease occurs at the junction of the hoof wall and sole, where bacteria or fungus invade and cause separation. It often presents as a white or gray, powdery material and, if untreated, can progress toward the coronary band, causing structural weakness and lameness.
Treating white line disease requires working closely with your farrier to ensure the hoof wall separation does not progress in the wrong direction (up the hoof towards the coronary band). Frequent trimming alongside infection treatment will ensure the hoof wall regrows properly, restoring the structural damage.
Topical treatment will also be necessary to get rid of the infection. Grand Circuit White Lightning Gel is an effective option to eliminate disease without drying out healthy tissue. This has been proven effective in neutralizing bacteria, fungus, and yeast within minutes of contact. The gel is a convenient alternative to the popular White Lightning Liquid, but requires no mixing. Simply apply to the hoof and cover with cotton or gauze, then finish with Equifit Pack-N-Stick Hoof Tape to keep it securely in place.
Abscess
Ah, the dreaded abscess. The classic “my sound horse is suddenly dead lame” scenario we’ve all heard of, if not experienced ourselves. Few things are more frustrating than a suddenly lame horse due to an abscess. These infections form inside the hoof when bacteria enter through cracks, punctures, or misplaced nails. Fall’s fluctuating moisture levels increase the risk.
If left untreated, abscesses will often travel upwards in the hoof and burst out at the coronary band. This can create a disruption of normal hoof growth, however. So, the preferred method of treatment is to draw out the abscess through the bottom of the hoof. Work closely with your vet and/or farrier, who will carve a small opening in the hoof sole. This will allow the abscess to work its way out without causing damage. It will then be your duty to help convince that abscess to work its way out by soaking the hoof and packing with poultice, ichthammol, or another drawing agent.
The EasyBoot Remedy Boot is perfect to have on hand for any hoof soaking needs, and especially for abscesses. This strong waterproof and flexible short-style horse boot simplifies the process and creates a reusable soaking solution fitted to your horse’s hoof and leg.
Animalintex Hoof Poultice is an ideal option for packing the hoof. It can be used as a hot poultice to draw out the infection and is already pre-cut to fit the hoof.
Secure the Hoof Poultice in place with the Deluxe Equine Slipper by Bluegrass Equine Products for the simplest one-step, mess-free hoof pack solution.
Prevention and Maintenance
Although sometimes these hoof ailments are unavoidable, maintaining proper hoof health prior to the season changes will help decrease the risk. Key factors for maintaining a healthy hoof include:
- Farrier care: Regular trims to maintain shape and balance.
- Nutrition: Proper diet to support hoof strength and growth.
- Topical protection: Topical products such as Cavalor Dry Feet can help strengthen and harden the sole and frog, while killing thrush-causing bacteria. This will give you an extra defense this fall.
Prepare for Fall Hoof Care
Keeping hooves strong through the wet, muddy, and fluctuating fall weather doesn’t have to be a challenge. Stock up on all your fall hoof care essentials at FarmVet to help your horse stay sound all season.
And since fall doesn’t just affect hooves, make sure your horse is ready for wet weather too. Check out our blog on Rain Gear for Horses for tips on keeping your horse dry, comfortable, and protected this season.
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