Fortunately CANKER is now a rare disease in horses. It affects the frog area of the foot but can extend further into the sole and in very severe cases can even start to affect the hoof wall. This disease although one of the oldest recognised aliments of the horse is poorly understood. It is believed to be caused by infection with anaerobic (live without oxygen) bacteria, and occurs in horses where the feet have been exposed to damp or unhygienic conditions.
Unlike THRUSH canker causes frond like growth to develop in the frog – see close up below.
There is often an unpleasant odour. Frequently it is misdiagnosed as thrush and treated with oxytetracycline spray (as in the case above). Unfortunately this is usually unsuccessful.
Treatment.
Early diagnosis is important – the sooner correct treatment is instigated the higher the success rate.
Contaminated / infected tissue should be cut away – this is best done with the aid of a ‘nerve block’(so the horse can not feel the foot) and sedation.
Resection of the infected tissue is vital.
The foot should then be cleaned daily with 20 vols. hydrogen peroxide and coated with metronidazole paste.
The same case six weeks after starting treatment.
The foot must be kept clean and dry thereafter until complete resolution of the lesion.
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