Although frogshoe occurs quite often, you should not underestimate it. The infection can penetrate deep into the hoof and cause temporary or even permanent lameness. You need to treat frogshoe both externally and internally. Good hygiene and prevention are important to keep the condition at bay. But what can you do if your horse already has frogshoe?

Effective microorganisms or 'happy bacteria'

Microorganisms are everywhere and play an important role in many biological processes. There are favorable and unfavorable microorganisms at work in and on every animal. If your horse has frogshoe, the bad microorganisms have taken over in the hoof. These bad bacteria cause the rotting process. To stop frogshoe, you can use 'Effective Microorganisms' (EM), our 'happy bacteria'. These are beneficial bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. The frog gel with such EM supports wound healing and keeping the frog healthy. When you use Effective Microorganisms, you help the body to keep itself healthy. The 'good' bacteria ensure that harmful microorganisms no longer have a chance. The natural balance is restored, and the rotting process stops.

Preventing and treating frogshoe

You can use EM Hoof gel for the treatment and prevention of frogshoe. In addition, a clean, dry stable and a dry paddock or pasture are important. Sometimes it is useful to have the farrier come an extra time to cut out the frog. Especially horses with tight hooves and reduced resistance are susceptible to frogshoe. To prevent frogshoe, it is a good idea to give your horse easily absorbable silicon. This mineral is an important building block for hooves, bones, and tendons. In addition, plant-based cannabinoids from cloves can help balance your horse better. The immune system becomes stronger, and your horse can more easily resist 'attacks' by unfavorable bacteria and fungi. It is also wise to do a nettle cure four times a year. This helps the body cleanse toxins from the body. You can offer this in a separate water trough so your horse can drink as needed.

Summary: Tips against frogshoe

• Use EM hoof gel (Effective Microorganisms) to treat and prevent frogshoe.

• Maintain good hygiene and a dry stable, pasture, and paddock.

• Have the hooves regularly trimmed by a farrier.

• Provide silicon mineral as a building material for the hooves.

• Give plant-based cannabinoids from cloves to support your horse's resistance.

• Conduct a liquid nettle cure four times a year.

Sources:

Preventing and treating thrush in horses. Michigan State University. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/thrush_in_horses

Frogshoe in horses is a difficult ailment. Agriton 2015. https://www.emvereniging.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/agriton-krant-2015-em-varkens-paarden.pdf

Menno Holzhauer. 2012. Hoof Conditions in Pictures. Health Service for Animals. https://edepot.wur.nl/405925