Page 234 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

VetBooks.ir

Figure 6.29 Thrush infection of the frog

Causes

The infection is caused by various bacteria that damage the horn including Fusobacterium
necrophorum. A number of factors predispose to the condition:

• poor hoof conformation including contracted and sheared heels. Thrush often develops
when the frog is small and shrunken with reduced ground contact

• deep frog clefts

• inadequate trimming

• shoeing with pads, which trap moisture and dirt under them
• poor stable hygiene with dirty, wet bedding

• continually wet pastures

• lack of daily hoof care