You pick out your horse's feet and something does not look right.
There might be a strong smell around the frog, a crumbly section along the white line or, more dramatically, your horse may suddenly be extremely lame on one leg.
Thrush, hoof abscesses and white line disease are three different hoof problems, but some of their signs and risk factors can overlap. Knowing the basic differences can help you spot a problem sooner and know when your farrier or vet needs to become involved.
Regular hoof care is important because conditions including thrush and white line disease can be recognised earlier when feet are checked and trimmed consistently.
Horseware's guide to preventing injuries in horses also highlights how muddy conditions can contribute to hoof problems, making regular checks especially important through wetter months.
Table of Contents
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Understanding Common Horse Hoof Problems
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Thrush vs Hoof Abscess vs White Line Disease at a Glance
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What Is Thrush in Horses?
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What Is a Hoof Abscess?