Natural care routine for a toadstool foot in horses

Horse toadstool disease is a specific, still little-known, hoof condition that affects a large number of horses. Its name comes from the distinctive appearance of the affected hoof: necrotic, thickened, and irregular tissues reminiscent of a toad's skin. Beyond this evocative image, horse toadstool disease is a complex pathology, often linked to an autoimmune imbalance. It progresses through successive phases : periods of inflammatory crisis, followed by calmer periods, until complete recovery is possible with appropriate treatment.

In this article, we will detail a natural hoof care routine based on hoof observation, removal of necrotic tissue, and the targeted use of ozone in its various forms. This roadmap is derived from practical experience and aims to effectively guide your horse towards recovery.

Understanding the stages of the toad

The inflammatory phase

At the onset of an attack, the foot tries to expel exudates. Exudates are fluids produced by the body during inflammation. They contain immune cells, tissue debris, and sometimes pathogens. Their role is to help the body eliminate what is disrupting the local balance.

In horses with thrush, these exudates try to exit through various natural pathways in the foot:

• the periople (thin protective layer at the base of the wall)
• the bulbs (fleshy areas located at the back of the foot)
• the frog (triangular structure in the center of the hoof)

The objective in this phase is to support the evacuation of these exudates, then to dry the affected areas in order to prepare for healing.

This is where the gaseous ozonation becomes crucial:

• Ozone is a powerful natural oxidant, known for its antibacterial, antifungal and healing properties.
• When applied as a gas, it acts in depth : it stimulates circulation, accelerates the removal of exudates and cleanses the tissues.
• A few sessions often allow this inflammatory phase to be overcome more quickly.

The phase of eliminating necrotic tissue

Once the inflammation has subsided, the hoof expels the dead tissue. It is this phase that gives the affected foot its characteristic appearance: dry, thickened, irregular patches, resembling the skin of a toad.

Warning: behind these necrotic tissues there are often pockets of pathogens ( bacteria, fungi) which continue to weaken the foot.

This is where the use of ozone in oily form becomes essential:

• Thanks to a null can, it is possible to introduce ozonated oil into all cracks, crevices and deep areas (gloom, frog, periople).
• This allows us to directly reach the pockets of pathogens and to sustainably cleanse the tissues.

Two complementary products can be used depending on the location:

• Ozone Super Guard  : for the bulbs, the periople and all areas that do not touch the ground.
• Ozone Hoof Guard : for areas in contact with the ground, more exposed to external contamination.

Adapting care to different situations

In the presence of abscess cavities

If the foot has residual cavities after an abscess, it is essential to fill them to prevent reinfection. The recommended product is Ozone Hoof Stuff : a paste that stays in place within the cavities and gradually releases ozone, ensuring a healthy and protective environment.

Strengthening weakened tissues

After several phases of rejection and elimination, the tissues on the sole of the foot can be fragile. To strengthen them:

• Hoof Fluid helps nourish and strengthen the hoof. Chestnut tannins naturally cleanse and harden the tissues, limiting bacterial growth.

Essential everyday actions

Regular exfoliation of necrotic tissue

It is essential to regularly remove dead tissue from the frog and affected areas.

• Why? Because no product can penetrate necrotic tissue.
• How? With a grater, used directly by the owner.
• Frequency: as soon as dead tissue appears, without waiting for the next trimming.

Trimming every 3 weeks

Unlike healthy hooves that require trimming every 6 weeks, a hoof affected by thrush should be trimmed every 3 weeks. This allows for the growth of healthy horn and prevents the accumulation of pathological debris.

Daily observation

The success of the treatment depends on careful observation :

• Quickly detect the release of exudates.
• Monitor the healing process.
• Adapt care according to the phase (inflammation or elimination).

Support for horn growth

To encourage healthy regrowth, it is recommended to regularly apply Ozone Mud Guard to the periople. The periople is the area where keratinocytes, the cells that form the horn, are produced. Stimulating this area results in stronger, more resilient regrowth.

Conclusion

Horse toadstool is a complex, often long-term pathology, but one that can be controlled and gradually resolved with an appropriate care routine.

Key points to remember:

• Identify the phase (inflammatory or elimination) to adapt the care.
• Use gaseous ozone in case of an inflammatory crisis.
• Next, apply an oily solution, introduced deep into the surface, to clean cracks and cavities.
• Strengthen tissues with natural solutions like Hoof Fluid and its chestnut tannins.
• Perform regular mechanical maintenance: exfoliation, trimming every 3 weeks.
• Observe the foot daily and act as soon as new exudates appear.

Thanks to an approach combining natural care, rigor and patience, it is possible to effectively support the horse and restore the health of its feet.