NO HOOF NO HORSE Horse hooves are a complex, important structure. They are also susceptible to a multitude of problems, caused by everything from diet to a wet environment. HEEL BULB
HEEL BULB
MOST COMMON HOOF PROBLEMS Listed below are their descriptions and their percentages relative to the USDA’s 1998 survey of reported horse lameness. Because no preventative measures or treatment advances have been made, the percentages can be expected to hold stable. In the spring survey, 28,026 horses were surveyed. In the summer survey, 26,845 horses were surveyed. In the winter survey, 24,159 horses were surveyed.
Laminitis or Founder
Laminitis occurs when the laminae, which attach the coffin bone to the hoof, are inflamed. This can cause severe inflammation, which can result in the laminae’s death. The coffin bone is then unsupported, and rotates or sinks into the hoof, towards the toe, causing foundering. If a horse is suffering from laminitis, its hooves will be abnormally hot for an extended period of time. 40.2% 31.1%
LATERAL SULCUS
19.5%
COLLATERAL GROOVE
FROG
BAR HEEL BUTTRESS
HEEL
Navicular Syndrome
Navicular syndrome encompasses all types of heel pain. It is usually caused by a malfunctioning navicular bone, located above the frog. Symptoms include lameness, especially when performing strenuous activities, such as tight circles or working on hard surfaces.
FROG CLEFT
20.1% 23.3% 38.5%
HEEL TRIANGLE
Abscess or Bruising
HEEL TRIANGLE
QUARTERS
Hoof abscessing is an infection, caused by bacteria entering the inner foot by a crack or puncture wound in the hoof. This causes a build up of smelly gray discharge, which should be drained. Symptoms include a warm or throbbing hoof. Bruising is caused by trauma, such as a lodged stone or improper trimming. It is evident by a discoloration of the sole or hoof wall. 21.1% 17.0%
SOLE
FROG APEX
19.5%
SOLE
Quarter Cracking
A quarter crack is a split in the hoof wall occurring in the side, or quarter, of the hoof. It is often caused by an abnormal conformation, causing the horse to land incorrectly on its hoof. This causes splitting where the hoof is weakest. If the split goes through the hoof wall, reaching the internal structure, it can compromise the integrity of the hoof and its ability to provide support.
TOE CALLUS
INNER WALL THE HOOF WALL
5.9%
WHITE LINE
OUTER WALL
By Alexa Walkowicz Sources: SmartPak, USDA and the National Animal Health Monitoring System, Rusty’s Equine Hoof Repairs
4.0%
TOE
4.5%
Thrush
Thrush is a common infection on either side of the frog and in the cleft. It is identifiable by a black discharge and a strong, sour odor, caused by bacteria. Wet conditions, abnormal hoof structures, improper trimming or hoof maintenance, insufficient exercise, chronic lameness, poor diet and poor circulation can contribute to the infection’s development. 0.9% 1.8% 2.1%
Spring Survey (April 20— June 12, 1998)
KEY
Summer Survey (June 15— Sept. 11, 1998) Summer Survey (Nov. 2— Feb. 26, 1999)