Toad's Disease in Horses: A Condition at the Crossroads of Hypotheses

Toadstool disease in horses, or chronic hypertrophic pododermatitis, continues to intrigue researchers and equine practitioners due to its complexity. Although several hypotheses have been proposed, an autoimmune origin seems to be gaining ground in understanding this condition. In this article, we explore the different facets of this disease, the differences between toadstool and toadstool disease, and the anatomical features often affected.

Toad vs. Frogbit: Two Entities to Differentiate

It is important to distinguish the toad from the toadstool, although these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

• Thrush : This disease affects the frog of the foot and can spread to adjacent structures. It is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of tissue that can become foul-smelling and painful for the horse.
• The toadstool : More localized, it generally affects the central part of the frog and seems to be a less progressive form of the disease.

An Autoimmune Disease: Origin and Consequences

The idea of ​​an autoimmune origin is based on several observations:

• Recurrence : Once present, the toad tends to reappear, even after treatment.
• Bilateral localization : The disease often affects several limbs simultaneously.
• Response to corticosteroids: Immunosuppressive treatments show some effectiveness, supporting the idea of ​​an involvement of the immune system.

Other Hypotheses

Besides an autoimmune origin, other theories are also being considered:

• Tumor hypothesis : Some researchers believe that the toad may have a tumor origin, particularly due to similarities with equine sarcoids. Bovine papillomavirus has been detected in some toad lesions, and treatments using cisplatin, a chemotherapy agent, have shown promising results.
• Infectious origin : The possibility of a bacterial or fungal infection, particularly by anaerobic agents, remains to be considered. However, the lack of contagiousness between horses weakens this theory. Secondary infections can, however, worsen existing lesions.

Why are the Glomes, Chestnuts and Perioples sometimes affected?

A striking characteristic of the toad is its tendency to affect specific anatomical structures:

• The bulbs : Located at the back of the foot, the bulbs are rich in soft tissue and blood capillaries, making them a prime target for autoimmune inflammatory reactions.
• Chestnuts : These vestigial skin structures, often neglected, can also be affected, perhaps due to their unique composition of keratinized tissues.
• The periople : This thin protective layer covering the coronary band of the hoof is often attacked, resulting in scaling and painful inflammation. This could be related to its role in the growth and protection of the hoof horn.

Boosting Immunity: A Mistake?

In the context of an autoimmune hypothesis, stimulating the immune system may be counterproductive. Such an approach could worsen the immune system's attack on the horse's own tissues.

• Appropriate treatments : The use of corticosteroids or other immunomodulators is preferred to reduce inflammation. Natural solutions are now available using ozone, as detailed below.
• Prevention of secondary infections : Nevertheless, it is essential to maintain rigorous hygiene to prevent infections that could complicate the situation.

Benefits of Using Ozone

Ozone, in its various forms, is of major interest for the treatment of toad disease. Thanks to its broad spectrum of action, it allows for the control of lesions while preventing secondary infections.

• Gaseous ozone : In gaseous form, ozone penetrates deep into tissues and hard-to-reach areas. Its antimicrobial properties reduce the risk of secondary infections. Gaseous ozone may be offered by this device.
• Ozonated oils : Ozonated oils provide a prolonged effect thanks to their ability to gradually release ozone. They promote healing and soothe inflammation while maintaining a protective barrier. In the proposed protocols, ozonated oils complement the use of ozone in its gaseous form.
• Anti-inflammatory role : Ozone also possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it an attractive alternative to corticosteroids. Many horse owners prefer natural treatments, and ozone can meet this demand while delivering effective results. By calming inflammation and stimulating tissue regeneration, it helps reduce reliance on synthetic medications.

By combining these two approaches, it is possible to effectively treat the lesions while modulating the immune response.

Treatments and Perspectives

Although the exact cause remains unclear, current protocols include:

• Local care : cleansing and healing of lesions using ozonated oils
• Systemic interventions : Administration of medication to regulate the immune response if advised by the veterinarian.
• Use of ozone: A combination of gaseous ozone and ozonated oils to control infections, reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration.
• Close monitoring : Careful observation allows for the detection of any recurrence or complication.

Conclusion

Toad's disease remains a challenge for equine practitioners. The autoimmune hypothesis, along with other theories such as tumor or infectious origin, offers promising avenues of research. The use of ozone, in its gaseous and oily forms, represents a promising advancement for the control and treatment of this complex condition. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties offer an attractive alternative to corticosteroids, thus meeting the growing demand for natural treatments. By identifying affected areas early, such as the bulbs of the heels, chestnuts, and periople, and by adapting treatment accordingly, it is possible to improve the quality of life of affected horses.