The circular areas on the solar surface of this hoof are fungal colonies, which can erode the sole and cause lameness. | Photo courtesy Michael Wildenstein
Scientists estimate there are millions of fungal species in the world, some of which can cause a variety of diseases in humans and animals. Think ringworm and thrush. You might be aware that your horse is susceptible to fungal infections of the skin and respiratory system, but did you know fungi can also affect your horse’s hooves?
Journeyman farrier Mike Wildenstein, CJF, APF, FWCF (Hons), who was the resident farrier at Cornell University for two decades, recently spoke about fungal infections of the hoof at the 2020 Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners Symposium, held virtually.
Horse owners can treat many superficial fungal growths on the outer hoof wall with topical products, though veterinary diagnostics might be needed to determine if the infection goes deeper than the stratum externum. | Photo: Courtesy of Michael Wildenstein
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