Are you searching for What is canker in horses?
You may be curious about the hoof condition, which is known as canker in horses.
Have you noticed a smelly discharge and a ragged-looking frog on your horse? If so, it’s time for you to find out more information.
What is Canker in Horses?
It is an abnormal condition of the horse’s foot when an infection invades the frog, bars, and sole.
This infectious process leads to an increase in the horn-producing tissues of the equine hoof.
As you may know, it is one of two disease processes commonly relating to a horse’s frog. Compared to Thrush, which destroys the tissues, Canker spreads living tissues and encourages abnormal tissue expansion.
Symptoms of Canker in Horses!
In the early stage of the process, many people can confuse Canker with Thrush.
To recognize this problem or distinguish from others, keep an eye on these signs:
- The central area of granulation tissue on the frog is likely to bleed
- Light brown or gray matter on the hoof
- It can spread to the sole and hoof wall
- Smelly discharge
- The horse is unwilling to stand and walk
- The injury leads to lameness
What Are The Factors Causing It?
In fact, the root of this disease is still controversial. However, canker in horses certainly results from abnormal keratin production. Also, it occurs in case of the lack of oxygen in the frog.
Many people believe that it develops in low hygiene conditions and when the horse’s hooves are covered in mud and feces. But some disagree with that.
How To Treat Canker?
Treatment of Canker
Prevention is better than cure. So, the first measure you should take is keeping your horse’s feet clean and dry and doing routine trimming.
It is beneficial to make a treatment plan, providing your horse with regular visits by a farrier to canker recurrences.
Debride the horn which covers the affected area. But remember, try not to draw blood, or else your horse will have an infection because of bacteria.
It’s also important to use a clean and dry bandage for the wounds.
Make sure to limit exercise and daily activities during its healing to help the horse take a rest and recover quickly.
If the affected area stays moist or your hooves, start to look doubtful and have a veterinarian re-check your horse.
Conclusion
Horse’s Canker is quite common.
With the above information, now you can get the idea of “what is Canker in horses” and how to deal with it.
Chances are, this infection is not so dangerous, and you can eliminate it. However, to avoid recurrences, make sure to keep your horse’s environment clean and dry and pay close attention to your horse’s feet.
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