Canker in a Horse’s Hoof by a Vet – 2025 Treatment & Care Guide 🐎🦶

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Introduction

Canker is an uncommon but serious hoof condition in horses that’s often mistaken for thrush. While both are bacterial infections, canker is far more aggressive and needs surgical intervention. Left untreated, it can damage the frog and spread to the sole or hoof wall. In this 2025 care guide, Dr Duncan Houston walks you through proper diagnosis, treatment, and recovery protocols for canker in horses.

Canker vs Thrush: What’s the Difference?

• Thrush = foul-smelling, black discharge and decaying frog tissue; usually from poor hygiene and wet stalls.
• Canker = abnormal tissue growth resembling soft, off-white “cauliflower”; may also have odor but is proliferative, not decaying.

Treating canker like thrush with topical antiseptics or bleach will not work and may worsen tissue damage.

Clinical Signs of Canker 🧐

• Off-white, spongy growth in the frog or sole
• Odor that may resemble thrush but with distinct tissue thickening
• May bleed when trimmed or handled
• Lameness in moderate to advanced cases
• Often starts in the frog but can spread if untreated

Diagnosing Canker

Canker is often diagnosed visually by a veterinarian. However, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm and differentiate it from:

• Fungal infections
• Neoplasia (tumors)
• Severe neglected thrush

Treatment: Surgical Removal First 🩺

The only effective treatment for canker is complete surgical excision of affected tissue.

Procedure Steps:

1. Local anesthetic and tourniquet applied to the limb
2. All infected and abnormal tissue is removed using a scalpel
3. Area is cleaned and frozen using cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen or ice application) to kill remaining surface bacteria
4. Topical astringents and antibiotics applied
5. Hoof is securely bandaged to prevent contamination

Post-Surgical Management 🩹

• Foot must stay completely dry – stall confinement in a clean, dry environment is critical
• Use absorbent shavings (not straw) and change bedding daily
• Daily bandage changes and topical reapplications per vet guidance
• Supportive hoof trimming or therapeutic shoeing if frog integrity is compromised

Healing Timeline & Monitoring 🕒

• Initial healing: 10–14 days with proper bandaging and care
• Full regrowth of healthy frog tissue: 4–8 weeks
• Watch for signs of recurrence (tissue softness, odor, discharge)
• Periodic vet follow-up to check healing progress

Important Notes

• Don’t delay treatment – early canker is easier to remove and control
• Thrush treatments are ineffective and may mask symptoms
• We don’t fully understand the cause, but it’s not limited to unsanitary conditions – clean stabled horses can also develop canker

Case Example

1. A performance gelding was brought in with what appeared to be chronic thrush unresponsive to bleach and iodine treatment
2. Vet identified classic cauliflower-like tissue and diagnosed canker via biopsy
3. Tissue was surgically removed, cryotherapy applied, and antibiotic dressings were used daily
4. After 4 weeks of stall rest and dry management, healthy frog tissue returned, and the horse resumed light work within 6 weeks

Preventing Canker: Tips for 2025 🧼

• Maintain dry stalls and daily hoof cleaning
• Inspect frogs regularly—early tissue changes are subtle
• Separate affected horses to prevent contamination
• Partner with your vet and farrier to ensure healthy foot structure

FAQs About Canker

Q: Can I treat canker myself?

A: No. This condition requires surgical debridement and professional management.

Q: Is canker contagious?

A: It’s not directly contagious but may be influenced by environment—separate affected horses.

Q: Can it recur?

A: Yes. Incomplete tissue removal or moisture exposure can lead to relapse.

Conclusion

Canker is not just bad thrush—it’s a more invasive, tissue-growing infection that needs prompt surgical care. With early diagnosis, skilled debridement, and diligent hoof care, most horses recover well. Recognize the signs early and act quickly to avoid chronic issues or permanent damage.

If your horse shows signs of canker or has frog growth that doesn’t respond to thrush treatment, contact Ask A Vet via AskAVet.com or download our app 📱 for expert help from Dr Duncan Houston and our team. 🩺