Hoof Problems that May Affect Your Horse

Keeping a horse's hoof healthy is vital to the overall well being of the horse. There are many different diseases and conditions that you will need to keep your eye open for and take immediate action to remedy the situation. If a horse is suffering with a hoof ailment, the whole animal will suffer. Horses depend on their legs, feet and hooves for every action they must do. They sleep, eat and drink all while standing so it is very important to maintain and repair their hooves.

Thrush or Canker is an infection of the frog. The frog is the soft padding on the underside of the horse's foot. When the frog becomes infected it is known also as hoof rot. The main sign thrush is a foul odor coming from the underside of the foot as well as oozing discharge. The main cause of thrush is too much time spent in moist, muddy living conditions. To remedy the thrush, remove the horse from any moist conditions and apply a liquid medication that you can brush on. Most tack stores will supply this medication, but if you cannot find it you will need to contact your vet. If the condition does not improve after treatment, you will need to contact your veterinarian for further assistance. Thrush is a common problem that is easily treated, but if left alone will ruin the entire hoof.

Horses can also be affected by corns just as humans are. A corn is caused by any repetitive pressure that is applied to any part of the foot. The most common cause of a corn is a poor shoeing job. Similar to corns is a bruised sole. Bruised soles affect many horses, but primarily one with flat soles. A bruise may be caused by stepping on a hard object, even a piece of gravel. A trimming job that was done improperly may also cause the sole to lay too low to the ground and become bruised by the repetitive pressure from the ground. A corn or bruise should be remedied quickly so that the area does not abscess. Find out what is causing the corn and remove it or contact your farrier to inspect the hoof and shoe or re-trim if needed.