Deep heel cracks

[Itsthawooluff]

Even though we've had a very dry summer, one of our ponies has always had a problem with thrush.

Now she has developed a deep crack in the back of the frog. I've washed it out as best I can with Hibiscrub, then let it dry and applied an antibacterial spray. Is there anything else I can do?

To be honest that is what we'd do as well.

Obviously you could consider calling the vet if it gets really bad.

What sort of ground is your pony on? Could you keep it in for a few days?

She's in the pony paddock which still has a little grass on it but the underlying ground is dusty rather than muddy.

I'm reluctant to keep her in, because she gets very agitated if all the others aren't in, and tbh I can't face having all four in (mucking out etc,) in the summer. Sorry - bad owner. I'll keep an eye on it, and keep up the antibacterial spray!

Has your farrier seen it? He may want to cut away some of the frog to allow it to stay cleaner and dry out. I always found stockholm tar brilliant for thrush, though you may need to poultice first.

pack the cracks with cotton wools soaked in stockholm tar. Push in as deep as you can. Will dry out the cracks and prevent infection.

Farrier due tomorrow so he may well trim frog. Will see what he says. Thanks all.