Use of a topical disinfectant as part of a hoof care programme for horses with diseases of the hoof capsule.

The research article discusses a study where a topical disinfectant, as part of a hoof care programme, was used over a period of a year to treat horses with persistent hoof horn defects. The results indicated a significant improvement in hoof quality and appearance of all the horses within 12 weeks.

Research Methodology

• The research involved a study with twenty-three horses having persistent hoof horn defects.
• A hoof disinfectant was applied as part of a hoof care programme over one year.
• The active ingredients in the disinfectant included a poloaximer-iodine complex, ethylenediamine dihydriodide, isopropyl alcohol and propylene glycol.
• Hoof samples were taken at the beginning and then every six weeks throughout the study. These were then examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
• Initial examination showed large numbers of bacteria and in eight samples, fungal hyphae mixed with the bacteria.

Results and Findings

• Upon application of the hoof disinfectant and dietary adjustments, the horses showed rapid improvements in their foot appearance.
• While some of the horses showed improvement within two to three weeks, overall horn quality in all horses greatly improved by the 12th week.

Conclusion

• The study findings suggest that usage of a topical hoof disinfectant, backed by diet corrections, can significantly improve the hoof health in horses suffering from persistent hoof horn defects.
• Observing the results that the hoof condition began improving for some horses within just a few weeks and for all by the 12th week, the disinfectant may provide a quick and effective solution for horses with hoof issues.