While fungal problems sometimes seem difficult to treat, that doesn’t have to be the case. But it’s critical to recognize that no single treatment will work with all bacteria and fungi.

This was the consensus of a panel of three hoof-care experts who discussed dealing with fungal concerns during the 2010 International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati. These lunchtime panel discussions on using a particular tool or product, have become a popular Summit tradition.

This year’s topic was “Dealing With Anti-Fungal Options.” The panelists included:

• Ron Riegel, an equine veterinarian with Premier Equine Health Products in Marysville, Ohio.
• Don Hobson, a horseshoer with Hawthorne Products in Dunkirk, Ind.
• Red Renchin, a farrier and International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame member from Mequon, Wis.

Oxygen Is The Key

Riegel says that while many hoof fungi appear to be very harmful, they are normally easy to treat. He says the first step is to clean out and trim the hoof properly to allow oxygen to reach the problem areas.

He says fungal organisms are normally thick and contain chitin and polysaccharides. Chitin is a type of tissue that is similar to what you would peel off the outside of shrimp. This outer fungi wall coating is what normally distinguishes the organisms from bacteria, which are often easier to treat.

“The location of the organism within the hoof is…