What’s the best method for treating seedy toe on a barefoot horse? I have thrush busters which my vet recommended but should I do an epsom salt soak a few times a week or daily? I got a new farrier and I think he’s not doing the break over correctly on my horse but he trims every five weeks. So that is the only thought I have on why my horse is having an issue after never having an issue over 12 years with my previous farrier…would appreciate any thoughts on this. Tia
My horse had a bit of seedy toe over the winter. She is barefoot in the winter but shod the rest of the year. I consulted with a CJF who said have my farrier pare out the affected part. It was time to put shoes on her so my farrier pared out the seedy toe, put in Thrush Buster, and shod her. Took about 3 months for the area to grow back healthy. You don’t have to put shoes on unless a crack develops and compromises the hoof and the horse’s soundness. Epsom salt soaking won’t do anything to speed the healing process.
I managed a seedy toe for the better part of 18 months. What ultimately worked for my guy was a ressection of the area, regular hoof care, keeping it dry, dry, dry in a limestone turnout and a dose or two of white lightening. Good luck! Patience and care can get this to resolve in most cases.
I don’t think that soaking the hoof on a regular basis is a good idea. That will just end up softening the hoof and creating a damp environment that will encourage the seedy toe to continue.
I’ve had great luck with spraying Listerine (the original yellow formula) onto the hoof on a daily basis after the farrier has trimmed the hoof down to try to get to the bottom of the infection.
Like others have said, your farrier needs to clean the infected area out. If it isn’t deep, he can just open it up from the bottom of the hoof. If the affected area is big and has moved up then the hoof needs to be resected.
You can soak the foot in Clean Trax, be sure to follow the directions about wrapping the hoof after you soak it.
I use Durasole to squirt in the infected area. I’ve also know people to use Listerine, chlorhexidine spray, or copper sulfate solution. I’m not sure it matters which anti-bacterial/anti-fungal agent you use. The key thing is exposing the affected area to oxygen.
Thank you!! Yes my farrier opened it up but I thought he said something about cleaning it up but can’t remember. It’s super dry here now but I’m sure rain will come soon. I’ll try the listerine and or the thrush buster stuff…
It really depends what you mean by seedy toe.
Is it basically white line disease? Then treat with anti fungal and resection.
Is it basically mechanical separstion? Then resection is the primary cure but you need to check hoof angles and mustang roll going forward.
Antifungals won’t cure mechanical separstion.
It is basically white line. I have no idea what the other is that you mentioned scribbler. I suspect my farrier may not be trimming correctly…he doesn’t seem to do the same rounding on the front that my previous farrier did…I’ve never had an issue but not sure how to tell him to fix it. He’s young and less experienced but I thought he was ok till this. He will listen to a vet or someone that knows how to tell him what to do tho… I’mjust not sure now next steps with him
If you don’t like the work your farrier is doing then get a new farrier.
Lots of farriers don’t do mustang rolls unless they have self educated in barefoot trimming. They just trim like for a shoe.
”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹Your ideal is someone with farrier training who understands barefoot trimming.
I’m thinking I do need a switch. I don’t think he’s bad but there are things…
You can post pics here if you want input on hoof angles.
White Lightning would be worth trying.
CleanTrax. As directed. Works like a charm.
