Strangles or hoof cancer in horses The advice and information platform for all horse and dog enthusiasts.

Horses' hoof or frog cancer

Frog cancer, also known as hoof cancer, is a fairly rare condition. Despite its name, it is not a cancer, but rather a type of overgrowth of horn tissue in and around the frog of the hoof. The hoof growth goes into overdrive, with horn tissue growing in the wrong place, namely in the frog and from there to the hoof wall. This tissue is soft, gritty, and smelly.

Horses often do not limp in the early stages of frog cancer, but if a larger part of the hoof is affected, they may start limping. Frog cancer often also leads to inflammation at the coronet band of the hooves and at the bulbs of the heels. Frog cancer can occur on one hoof or develop simultaneously on multiple legs.

Causes of frog cancer

The cause of frog cancer is still not fully known. While frog cancer used to be mainly associated with poor stable hygiene, science now believes that it can also be caused by an autoimmune reaction. This means that it originates from within the horse's body and not as a reaction to external bacteria or fungi. Poor hygiene, however, can exacerbate the condition. Frog cancer is a chronic inflammation, which often recurs if treated only externally (cutting away and dressing).

Symptoms of frog cancer

Frog cancer often appears as a cauliflower-like growth in the frog. This is an important sign to notice. If you see your horse reacting sensitively to touching the feet or scraping the hooves, if the frog bleeds when scraped or releases other fluids, immediately call the veterinarian. The sooner the better.

Treating frog cancer

Frog cancer often needs to be surgically removed under general anesthesia because it can bleed significantly. The tissue overgrowth in the corium of the hoof often causes an increase in blood vessels, leading to more bleeding than if you were to cut into a healthy hoof. If the frog cancer is not too advanced, it can sometimes be excised with local anesthesia. Dressings are applied after excision to keep the hoof clean, and the veterinarian applies a cream with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to the wound. The treated hoof should be closely monitored because, in many cases, some wild tissue grows back. This must be removed again to allow only healthy tissue to fill the gap in the hoof. Eliminating the overgrowth completely often requires a month-long process.

Anti-inflammatory treatment

Since the cause of frog cancer is also related to an autoimmune reaction, horses undergoing local treatment on affected hooves usually receive a course of the anti-inflammatory drug prednisone. It is administered as a powder in food. Prednisone suppresses the immune reaction in an overactive immune system, preventing the recurrence of frog cancer. After a prednisone course, it is advisable to provide a detox treatment because prednisone can be burdensome on the liver and kidneys.

You can also use natural anti-inflammatory agents. The highest therapeutic value is found in cannabinoids. There are 130 different cannabinoids, with CBD and THC being the most well-known. But there are many more. They are extracted from marijuana, cannabis, hemp, and cloves. For horses, we recommend choosing the clove variant.

Prevention of frog cancer

Frog cancer is not contagious; your horse cannot be 'infected' by other horses. To prevent frog cancer, it is important to keep your horse healthy with a good immune system. Additionally, a clean stable, as dry a paddock or pasture as possible, and regular hoof cleaning are important. If your horse develops thrush, make sure to treat it promptly. Also, have the farrier visit regularly. They can trim the hooves properly and ensure the heels of the hooves do not become too high. High heels likely contribute to the development of hoof cancer. Give your horse plenty of (free) movement as well. Lack of exercise can also be a contributing factor to frog cancer.

Detoxification and boosting immunity

How can you help your horse develop and maintain a good immune system and resistance? There are several ways to support horses' immunity. It is recommended to detoxify a horse twice a year with a detox treatment in spring and autumn. A short detox regimen of no more than a week is ideal. Use a product based on natural ingredients such as artichoke, boldo, juniper berry, milk thistle and turmeric of high quality. This has a dual function. It is not only a detox treatment but also supports, in addition to the liver and kidneys, the gallbladder function. Horses do not have a gallbladder like humans; instead, the waste goes to the intestines, which flush out the waste, known as the intestinal bile function.

Supporting hoof growth

In addition to regular cleaning, a clean and dry environment, and adequate exercise, you can support your horse's hooves with a supplement that promotes healthy hoof growth. For example, a supplement based on liquid silicon. This will not only give your horse strong hooves but also a shiny coat and strong tendons, ligaments, and joints.