Thrush or foul-smelling hooves? - Use Equitech Hoof Hygiene Spray

Disinfectant Hoof Hygiene Spray - to help clean and control the topical effects of environmental bacteria

Exposure to moisture, mud and its consequences are an inevitable part of life in Britain, especially if you’re a horse or horse owner! As you know the effects on your horse and its hooves can be unpleasant, damaging and difficult to manage. In particular a condition commonly known as “Thrush” is widely accepted to be a problem associated with wet & muddy conditions.

Obviously reducing the exposure to excessive moisture and sources of contamination is an ideal start. However this may not always be easy or practical. Equitech’s Hoof Hygiene Spray can help reduce the inevitable risks.  Good hygiene is essential if you wish to minimise the risks (mud fever, thrush etc) caused by prolonged exposure to excessive moisture.

Equitech Hoof Hygiene Spray is a combination of surface active agents for cleansing and two powerful topical disinfectants dispersed in a potent penetrating liquid. Together these kill topical bacteria and actually pull some of the excess moisture from the affected area; a simple and practical way to help manage hoof hygiene and treat 'thrush'. 

Thrush is a type of hoof rot, characterized by black necrotic (dead) tissue in the affected area, caused by pathogens found in yards, stables or pasture. These organisms thrive in wet or decaying material such as mud and manure, decomposing bedding material, etc. There are several pathogens that cause thrush, but the most common is Fusobacterium necrophorum.

These organisms like dark, damp, airless environments, and the deep clefts of the frog make an ideal location. If the hoof is usually packed with dirt, mud or manure, lack of air next to the frog
and the constant moisture work together to make a perfect situation for them to flourish.

With more horse owners realising the benefits of 24hr turnout, problems due to the wet & muddy conditions in the UK climate are inevitable.  A hoof that is always clean and dry will rarely develop thrush.

In the early stages of thrush, there is merely some dark coloration and grime around the frog, or in spots along the white line, and the accompanying bad odour.  If the condition has reached lameness and there are large necrotic areas ask your farrier or trimmer for advice. Deeper penetration still may require veterinary help.

Move your horse to as sound and dry an area as possible. Pick out and clean the hoof and frog from any gross blockages and debris. Then, holding the hoof inverted, simply spray the hoof and as deep into any crevices (especially around the frog) as possible. When all the hooves have been treated leave the horse on dry hard standing for at least half an hour. Can be used daily but repeat at least twice a week until condition resolves.  Use only on your horses' hooves.

Thoroughly disinfect any kit used. Wash your hands!

Hoof Hygiene Spray is one of the products that make up the Equitech Hygiene Management System:

1. If you can’t stop the water then control the water activity on the skin and manage Topical Hygiene by use of Equitech’s novel “Spray on and Leave” Mud Stop Disinfectant Cleaner or Mud Stop Disinfectant Cream Cleaner (for mud fever)
2. Where conditions allow, use Mud Stop Disinfectant Shampoo. This is based on the principles behind making medicated handwashes used to clean and reduce microbial contamination in sensitive environments. (for mud fever and/or rain scald)
3. Use Hoof Hygiene Spray (for thrush) - a combination of surface active agents for cleansing and two powerful topical disinfectants dispersed in a potent penetrating liquid. Together these help cleanse the hoof, kill topical bacteria (including those responsible for 'thrush') and actually pull some of the excess moisture from the difficult to reach risk areas. Use this product only on horses' hooves.

Download Equitech Mud Stop brochure (pdf) for more information on treating mud fever, thrush & general hoof hygiene.