<b>Common Hoof Problems and Remedies</b>

1. Abscesses Infections of the soft portion of the hoof Usually start as a result of a puncture wound or injury Lameness with severe pain

May see dark spot on hoof

Some abscesses may open and drain

- Treatment:

Consult your veterinarian

Abscess will need to be opened to allow drainage

Antibiotics for deeper abscesses

Severe abscesses may require long-term treatment with regular dressing changes

Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date

Good hoof care to prevent cracks and injuries, including topical protection

Early diagnosis provides a much better prognosis

2. Contracted Heels The heel area narrows such that the width at the base of the frog is less than 2/3 the width of the widest part of the hoof Poor conformation

genetics

Dry environment leading to loss of moisture in hoof

Lack of exercise

The width at the base of the frog is less than 2/3 the width of the widest part of the hoof

Can often lead to other hoof problems

- Treatment:

Consult your veterinarian

Proper hoof trimming (may take months of regular trimming to resolve) and, if necessary, corrective shoeing

Restore hoof moisture

Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date

Proper hoof trimming and shoeing

Providing adequate exercise

3. Corns Bruise of the sole at the back of the hoof at the angle between the wall and the bars Improper shoeing or poor hoof trimming Yellow or red discoloration of the sole, usually on the front feet

Possible lameness

Soreness of the area when using a hoof tester

Area of corn may become abscessed

- Treatment:

Consult your veterinarian

Corrective trimming or Trimming

Shoeing to protect and transfer weight from the bruised area

Draining of the area if there is an abscess

4. Laminitis (Founder) Inflammation of the sensitive lamina (the connective tissue between the hoof and the coffin bone). The circulation becomes disrupted.

Grain overload

Toxicity from colic

Certain steroid medications

- Treatment:

Immediately consult your veterinarian and farrier

5. Navicular Syndrome Inflammation and degeneration of the navicular bone and surrounding tissues. This disease begins with inflammation and gradually results in deterioration of the bony tissue of the navicular bone. Genetics and poor conformation

Improper nutrition

Continual impact of the toe on hard surfaces

Intermittent lameness that tends to get worse over time

Toe will become worn as it hits the ground before the heel

Usually affects front feet only

- Treatment:

Consult your veterinarian

Proper trimming and shoeing

Medications to increase circulation and decrease pain

Surgery may be necessary

Proper breeding

Adequate exercise, avoiding athletic stress

6. Sand Cracks Vertical cracks in the hoof wall that start at the ground surface

Excessively dry environment

Poor nutrition

Training on hard surfaces

Crack usually visible. May not cause lameness if remains superficial.

- Treatment:

Consult your veterinarian

Corrective shoeing or Trimming

Restrict activity

If deep, hoof repair and pain medication

Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date

Good nutrition

Hoof moisturizer and protectant

7. Seedy Toe Separation of the hoof wall at the white line. Is sometimes used as a synonym for "white line disease" Often a consequence of laminitis Crumbly soft material at the junction of the hoof wall and sole (the white line)

-Treatment:

Consult your veterinarian

Hoof trimming and corrective shoeing

Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date

Prevent conditions that could lead to laminitis

8. Thrush Bacterial infection of the frog Frog consistently packed with manure, mud, or moist bedding Foul-smelling, black, clay-like material in the area surrounding the frog

- Treatment:

Consult your veterinarian

Clean hooves

Improve sanitation and keep horse's feet dry

Use a drying agent if necessary

Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date

Clean hooves regularly

Provide dry environment

Use a thrush topical

9. White Line Disease A breakdown of the protein in the inner hoof wall by bacteria and fungi Bacterial or fungal infection often associated with hoof injuries that allow entrance of the microorganisms

More common in humid conditions

Starts with powdery, chalky area located along the junction of the hoof wall and sole (the white line); then causes a separation of the wall and sole

Soreness

Abnormal growth of hoof wall

- Treatment:

Consult your veterinarian

Hoof trimming to remove affected wall

Corrective shoeing or Trimming

Medications to kill fungus and bacteria

Keep hoof clean and dry

Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date

Prompt treatment of any other hoof condition

Proper nutrition

Good sanitation