Equine Vocabulary: Anatomy + Related Terms

Question 1

[defintion]

Frog

Answer 1

the tough, thick, V-shaped structure pointing down from the heels

Question 2

What does the frog protect on a horse’s foot?

Answer 2

It protects the digital cushion beneath it, aids in traction and circulation in the hoof, and partly acts as a shock absorber when the horse moves.

Question 3

What is “thrush” in horses?

Answer 3

A degeneration of the frog with secondary anaerobic bacterial infection that begins in the central and collateral sulci.

Question 4

What are the 3 steps involved in treating horses with thrush?

Answer 4

1. Treatment should begin by providing dry, clean flooring and thorough debridement of the frog and sulci.
2. Additionally, the foot needs to be balanced
3. Affected horses need to be placed on a regular exercise schedule in a dry area.

An astringent solution (eg, copper sulfate solution) may be applied with daily hoof cleaning.