Canker in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Canker isn’t just “bad thrush.” It grows fast, bleeds easily, smells strong—and demands vet-led care plus a dry, clean environment. Here’s the plan that works in real barns.
What Canker Is (vs. Thrush)
Canker is a proliferative hoof disease driven by anaerobic bacteria in a moist, contaminated environment. It favors the frog and heel bulbs and creates exuberant granulation tissue that is spongy and bleeds easily.
Canker vs. Thrush
- Canker: Spongy, cauliflower-like overgrowth; bleeds on paring; pungent odor; tissue proliferates.
- Thrush: Black, necrotic discharge deep in the sulci; foul smell but typically without exuberant granulation.
Predisposing factors: constant moisture, poor hygiene, neglected hooves, deep/packed frogs, and chronically wet bedding.
Clinical Signs & Diagnosis
- Spongy, cauliflower-like lesions at frog/heel bulbs; friable tissue that bleeds
- Pungent odor; white/pink proliferative areas replacing normal frog
- Lameness, short stepping, or reluctance to bear weight
Diagnosis: Veterinary examination is essential. A biopsy may be recommended to confirm canker and rule out other proliferative conditions.
Treatment Protocols (Vet-Led)
Core Steps
- Debridement: surgical removal of diseased tissue by your veterinarian/farrier team
- Topical antimicrobials/dressings as prescribed
- Dry, secure bandaging with frequent changes (keep the hoof dry)
- Follow-ups every few days to re-evaluate and trim as needed
Environmental Control
- Keep stalls clean and dry; pick feet daily
- Use fans/airflow to reduce moisture; avoid wet turnout areas
- Address flies to limit irritation and contamination
Important Do not pack active canker tissue with non-prescribed substances. Follow your veterinarian’s protocol exactly.
Prevention: Hygiene, Hoof Care & Environment
Daily & Weekly Routines
- Pick and inspect hooves daily; look for soft, spongy areas
- Schedule routine farrier visits for balanced trimming
- Wash stalls, mats, and trailers with SuperClean™ to reduce manure/urine buildup
- Maintain dry, clean bedding and good drainage around waterers
Grooming & Insects
- Use ShowBarn Secret® shampoos/conditioners to support overall skin/hoof health (rinse thoroughly)
- Repel insects with Citraquin® (see collection)
- Keep feed areas tidy; remove wet spots promptly
Aftercare & Prognosis
- Timeline: weeks to months, depending on lesion size and compliance with dry care
- Recurrence: likely if moisture/hygiene lapses—prevention is part of the cure
- Severe cases: extensive, refractory disease may have a guarded prognosis; discuss long-term comfort with your veterinarian
Product Tie-Ins (Safe Use)
Hoof Defense (Adjunct)
Silver Hoof EQ Therapy® — used alongside vet plans to help defend against thrush, foot rot, and canker; apply to clean hoof surfaces per label. Keep lesions dry and follow your vet’s bandaging protocol.
Skin Comfort Around Bandages
- Rapid Relief Restorative Cream — thin, water-resistant barrier for intact, healed skin at bandage edges
- RESTOREaHORSE® Liqui-Gel — stay-put salve for localized intact skin near wraps
- Draw It Out® Gel — targeted, sensation-free comfort for surrounding soft tissues (does not replace medical therapy)
Apply all products only to clean, intact skin and follow label directions. They support comfort and environment—not a substitute for veterinary debridement/antimicrobials.
Canker — FAQ
Can canker affect more than one foot?
Yes. Multiple feet can be involved, especially in chronically wet, dirty conditions. Inspect all four hooves weekly.
When can I stop bandaging?
Only when your veterinarian says tissue is healthy and dry and there’s no residual proliferation. Prematurely stopping often leads to recurrence.
Is canker contagious?
It’s primarily environmental/management-related rather than horse-to-horse contagious. Focus on hygiene, dryness, and regular farrier/vet follow-ups.
Educational note: This guide is informational and not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions for debridement, topical medications, bandaging, and rechecks.
