Thrush. What is it? Good question. Thrush is an infection of the frog of the horses hoof which typical causes foul-smelling (you remember this smell forever) with a variation of discharge colors, most commonly thick and black. Thrush can be caused by bacteria OR fungus – which can make it tricky to treat.
What predisposes a horse to thrush? Abnormalities in hoof shape that make it easier for bacteria and fungus to weasel its way in – this includes nails from shoes. It has actually be somewhat debunked that it is primarily caused by wet and dirty environments as it has been shown that horses kept in even the most pristine conditions can still develop thrush!
We all do our best, its important to understand that your horse developing thrush does not necessarily imply you’ve done anything “wrong” as a horse owner or caretaker. Sometimes things just happen. If you want to learn more about thrush, check out this resource from Smartpak!
With that said let’s look at my top 5 favorite thrush treatments!
Kopertox is a tried and true thrush solution. Its been used for years. While there is no question that Kopertox kills thrush there are some things I wish were better about the product. There are two reasons that Kopertox is not higher up in my ranking – 1. ease of use and 2. staining. I have stained many white socks and pairs of breeches from Kopertox (cries a little on the inside writing this). However, most importantly the ease of use. This comes in a bottle with a small opening. There are a few ways you can apply Kopertox: 1. Pour it into a hoof oil container with a brush and apply; 2. Apply from the bottle directly to the hoof; 3. Put the solution directly to a hoof brush from the bottle and apply to the hoof. There are some hiccups with each method of application. The first – putting in it a hoof oil container with a brush – you are taking that brush applying it to a hoof with thrush and then putting that same brush back in the bottle. Those of us who have been in a microbio lab or healthcare setting know that this is a huge source of contamination. The second – applying from the bottle directly to the hoof – can be immensely wasteful and at over $30 per bottle that can add up – QUICK. The last applying from the bottle to a brush is probably the best option as far as cleanliness however leaves a lot to do while you’re holding a horse’s hoof. If you have a trusty, stationary steed this is a good option. But if you have a wiggle worm – for everyone thinking I am referring to Enzo you are mistaken the antsy Bachor Boy is in fact Ocelot – this may not be great and can possibly become wasteful. With that said while Kopertox is effective its ranked #5.
Another tried and true option. Like Kopertox there’s no question of the efficacy of Thrush Buster. Similar to Kopertox it also stains – however a different shade – this one is purple. While it is easier to apply it isn’t helpful in all thrush scenarios. Thrush Buster in my opinion works best if you have a small isolated area or need to get under a hoof pad. If you have more “widespread” thrush it is not as user friendly and you will go through it quickly. That will add up cost-wise, which can be deceiving since its under the $15-mark. Due to the fact its not the most inclusive product despite being effective and affordable this leaves Thrush Buster at #4.
SteriHoof is perhaps not a name you were familiar with before this blog or maybe you saw me trial it a few months back. This is a newer product on the market. It is clear – no stained hands, socks, clothing! It has a spray-type application which is easy and able to quickly cover the hoof. The sprayer is not terribly loud – trialed it on Enzo as a 3-year-old with great results. However, it is a pump sprayer which unfortunately does not outlast the life of the product leading me to having to relocate 1/4 of the bottle to a different spray bottle to finish out the product. This minor inconvenience is offset by its price at under $20 for an 8 oz. container. The pump sprayer leaves SteriHoof at #3.
Vetericyn is a well-known and respected brand of veterinary products. Its hoof spray lives up to the name. Its effective, easy to use and affordable. It is priced at under $20 for an 8 oz. bottle – making it well worth the investment. It uses a trigger spray bottle which is much easier to use than a pump sprayer. Its only downfall is it is a pretty teal color that stains. One thing I have failed to mention previously with the other products that stain is due to the color of the solution there is no question if you missed applying product to an area of hoof. The potential to ruin your favorite pair of breeches is the only reason Vetericyn Hoof Care is #2.
Dry Feet by Cavalor is by far by favorite thrush product on the market. It is clear, uses a trigger spray bottle and is effective. The one pitfall of this product is it on the more expensive side at just barely under $30 for around 8.4 oz. of product. Despite the steeper price point Dry Feet is effective, easy to use and will not cause you to replace your breeches because of stains making it the winning thrush product!
Whichever product above you decide is best for you and your ponies head over to FarmVet and use code Oxers for 10% off your purchase! Don’t forget to stock up on treats while you’re at it – you can thank us later. Happy Shopping!
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