bleeding frog (or lack thereof)

[chelseamarko]

Hi- Hoping someone may have some insight. I was out helping a neighbor with one of her horses the other day, and noticed a problem with one of his hind feet (left hind). I went to clean the hooves, and first off noticed most of his frog wasn't there. The last 2/3 of it was just gone. Picking out the hoof, I removed what I though was some mud. This instead resulted in quite a bit of blood (maybe 2, 2.5 cups). I washed the hoof clean and wrapped it.

The owner said this happened two or three times a year, and that he had had a bad bout of thrush as a youngster. Is this possible, or do you think there is another cause for the exceptionally soft sole and lack of frog?

Any insight would be appreciated,
thanks,
Chelsea

[calshoer]

Some horses periodically shed the enture frog.This is usually doe t oexcess moisture in the environment. Underneath the old frog is a brand new, very soft tender frog that takes awhile to toughen up.
You probably punctured it with the pick and there is a LOT of blood vessels under it .
Keep it wrapped and clean. make sure the horse is current on his tetanus shots and watch for sudden severe lameness, which could signal an abscess. And call the vet right away to ask about what antiseptic product would be best to apply under the wrap to help toughen the frog and help prevent infection.
Patty