Hoof Rot - Cause, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hoof disease in a horse can be extremely painful, physically disfiguring, and sometimes if left untreated can cause death.

Hoof Rot

Diagnosis

It will be necessary for the horse to receive medical attention. Hoof Rot is not just a case of Thrush in the hooves of your horse, it is a highly contagious disease that can spread to the other horses, cows, and even sheep if they are walking the same ground. On some occasions, the veterinarian may perform a biopsy of the hoof for proof of the presence of a bacteria and the nature of bacteria so that treatment can be administered.

Cause

Hoof Rot is a bacterial infection that can be caused by humid, moist conditions. In winter and spring, the weather plays a large role in the number of cases of hoof rot found in the horse community. Horses found standing or kept in a damp, muddy paddock or pasture can become infected with the bacteria, Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides melaninogenicus bacteria. If the horse has any kind of small cut, scratch, or puncture in the hoof bacteria can get inside and begin to develop causing the infection.

Symptoms

Swelling

Redness and tenderness
Cracked areas on the hoof
Yellowish in color
Foul odor

Lameness

Any one or more of these symptoms should be checked out carefully. Even if the horse is not ridden Hoof Rot can be extremely painful and damaging if left untreated.

Diagnosis

It will be necessary for the horse to have medical attention. Hoof Rot is not simply a case of Thrush in the hooves of your horse, it is an extremely infectious disease. Hoof Rot can spread to other horses, cows and even sheep if they are walking the same ground. On some occasions, it may be necessary for the veterinarian to take a biopsy of the hoof for confirmation of the presence of bacteria so that treatment can be administered.

Treatment for Hoof Rot

First step in the treatment of Hoof Rot is to isolate the infected horse. Place them in a clean, dry, area covered from the elements. Make sure that the horse is up to date on all vaccinations and other medical treatments as a strong, healthy horse will respond more quickly to treatment for Hoof Rot.

The first step will be to clean and disinfect the hooves so that medications can reach the infection quickly and efficiently. The veterinarian may use antibiotic ointments and antibacterial medications in the treatment of Hoof Rot.

Some owners may attempt to self-treat Hoof Rot by using herbal remedies such as Comfrey, White Willow, Marigold, Lavender and Wintergreen oil. It is always beneficial, however, to seek veterinarian care and recommendations before administering any home health remedies.

Resources:

https://contributor.yahoo.com/forum/forum.shtml?thread=58072
http://www.horseadvice.com