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Canker in horses

Canker (hypertrophic pododermatitis) is a serious and painful condition that affects the horse’s hoof by causing abnormal tissue growth.

  • Last reviewed: 19th February 2026
Horse Legs Galloping In Field Horse Legs Galloping In Field

Canker usually starts in the frog and can spread to the sole, bars and even the hoof wall1. This disease can affect any horse, even those kept in clean environments; however, draft breeds seem more prone to it2.

Signs and symptoms

Early signs of canker can be subtle, but as the disease progresses, they become more obvious. Canker can affect both front and hind hooves. The affected area often looks moist, spongy and cauliflower-like, sometimes described as resembling crabmeat2. The tissue is very sensitive and bleeds easily when touched. You may notice a foul-smelling discharge, which can be thick and white or yellow, like the appearance of cottage cheese. Horses may show discomfort when having their feet picked out, stamp their feet or even become lame. Lameness can range from mild to severe, depending on how far the disease has spread.

Canker can easily be mistaken for thrush because both conditions create a foul smell and affect the frog, especially in wet or dirty environments. The key difference is that thrush breaks down and destroys frog tissue, while canker causes abnormal growth.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of canker is still unknown, but it can be linked to bacteria1. Wet, muddy or unhygienic conditions increase the risk. Long gaps between hoof trims can also contribute, as it creates opportunities for pockets of debris and bacteria to develop1.

Treatment

Canker needs early and decisive treatment for the best chance of recovery. The main approach is surgical debridement by your vet, where all abnormal tissue is carefully removed under sedation or anaesthesia2. After surgery, the hoof must be kept very clean and dry. Vets often use topical treatments and sometimes drying agents like acetone1, 2. In some cases, a special shoe called a hospital plate is fitted to protect the hoof while allowing daily medication2. Oral medications, including steroids or antibiotics, may also be prescribed. Treatment can take several weeks and may require hospitalisation2.  

Prevention

Good hoof care and hygiene are key to preventing canker.

  • Keep stables/housing clean and dry with fresh bedding
  • Provide dry areas in the field so horses aren’t standing in mud for prolonged periods
  • Pick out hooves daily and check for any unusual growth or smell
  • Stick to a regular farrier schedule to prevent overgrowth that can trap bacteria.

References

  1. Canker in Horses - Musculoskeletal System - MSD Veterinary Manual (2024)
  2. Canker makes us all cranky | dvm360 (2024)

Get in touch – we’re here to help

Our Horse Care and Welfare team are here to help and can offer you further advice with any questions you may have. Contact us on 02476 840517* or email welfare@bhs.org.uk. You can also get in touch with us via our social media channels. 

Opening times are 8.35am–5pm from Monday – Thursday and 8.35am–3pm on Friday. 

*Calls may be recorded for monitoring purposes.