The first line of defense against hoof disease is usually the farrier. Although horse owners may want their farrier to quickly eliminate a suspected hoof infection in one treatment as part of the routine trimming and shoeing, it is important to provide sound advice in the form of a game plan. The reality is that deeply rooted infections like white line disease and chronic thrush are nearly impossible to kill with one application of a strong topical agent.

It's a good bet that a wet spring will follow a long winter. It's an equally good bet that bacteria and fungi are trying to invade the hoof. Before you reach for the copper sulfate, it's best to use caution.