Q & A with The Vet

Frog Growth

Hi  Dr. T ,
Thank you for all of your past e mails and advice.   I have another question.  Why do my horse's frogs appear to be shrinking?   Everything else is good, the walls are thin and there is some mild separation in the hoof and sole wall.  There is no thrush and the trim is good.  I don't see any new frog growth.  It just appears to be shrinking?  I appreciate your input.
- D

Hi D,
I don't have pic's to go on here, but generally, frogs will "shrink" in drier weather or when they aren't being used normally.  They respond to use/pressure like the rest of the hoof.  Many, many horses have poor tissue inside the heel area that is responsible for producing the frog, so it could be that you are seeing what the hoof is able and not able to produce?   Using a set of pads with a frog support pad inserted will help increase good stimulation to this area and promote better growth through improved function.  Send pic's if you like and I'll try to give you more specifics. Dr. TT

Abscess and shedding frog

Q: I love when this happens: Hershy's owner called me this evening, big changes. A spot on his sole erupted, just ahead of the seat of corn, sure wasn't there the other day.  He is doing much better now, and she's had his boots off, letting mother earth do her thing.

One more question: Hershey, and one other horse I see, have shed frogs, some of the tissue has had the appearance of white fine cheese.  Both of these horses had spent time in boots and pads.  Both have had soaks, one with epsom and vinegar, the other with vinegar and then tea tree oil applied.  Both horses with the first shed went down to sensitive frog.  The one horse (not Hersh) has been through a few frogs, the white funk has persisted, but hasn't shed as deeply.  Can you give me a clue?  Thanks.

A: I would disinfect well and then not soak anymore.  Frogs normally do that when the weather gets wet around here.  If it's happening continually, I'd be suspicious there is left over bugs/fungus eating away.  Soaking hooves is not something I regularly practice.  If anything, I strive to keep them high and dry.

I feel the same way about an abscess coming out.  Makes me happy because I know it'll heal and hopefully be happier.  Chronic contraction and scarring is another issue that doesn't go away.

TT