Which of these is a print from the front foot? Which
is from the hind foot?
What is the major difference in the hoof prints???
Left, a front print
Right, a hind print
Hoof Problems
• Thrush – Fungal disease sometimes caused by
unclean conditions such as mud and manure for
prolonged periods. Also, horses that stand a lot
(like those in stalls) are more prone to thrush.
Painful on the heel area, therefore causing horses
to walk more on their toes.
Smells rotten and is black and
slimy. Usually occurs near the
groove beside the frog.
Treatment for thrush
• Kopertox has traditionally been used but
can cause problems
• Antifungal cream, disinfectants and cream
for athlete’s foot can work well
• Also, thrush can’t live when there is
oxygen, so keep the hoof cleaned out.
One more common hoof
problem…Laminitis
• The sensitive laminae suspends the coffin
bone in place. When it is inflamed and
irritated, the horse will have “laminitis.”
• It is also called “founder” which means to
sink. When the laminae is degraded, the
coffin bone falls down or “sinks” with the
horse’s weight on the hoof.
• Lameness occurs if not treated.
The coffin bone has “fallen” done
because of laminitis.
Treatment of Laminitis
• IN ALL CASES OF LAMINITIS, IF THE ACUTE
(minor) PHASE CAN BE KEPT TO 12
HOURS OR LESS, DAMAGE WITHIN THE
FOOT WILL BE GREATLY REDUCED. NEVER
WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY TO CALL the VET.
DO IT AT THE VERY FIRST SIGNS, EVEN IF
YOU ARE UNSURE WHETHER IT IS
LAMINITIS.
THIS IS THE TIME WHEN COLD THERAPY
(ICE AND WATER) FOOT BATHING IS MOST
EFFECTIVE.
• DO THIS WHILE YOU ARE WAITING FOR THE
VET.