Horses, being majestic creatures with an impressive stature, require regular attention and care, particularly when it comes to their feet. The wellbeing of a horse’s foot plays an undeniable role in its overall health and ability to perform. Therefore, understanding how to identify and address common foot issues is vital.
Characteristics of Healthy Horse Feet
First things first, recognizing what constitutes a healthy horse foot is the crucial initial step. A healthy foot typically bears some distinctive characteristics as detailed below:
- The Wall: The exterior protective component of the foot, known as the wall, is cool and sturdy.
- The Sole: Indispensable to the foot’s overall structure, the sole should be firm but not fragile, striking a healthy balance between strength and flexibility.
- Offensive Smell: Absence of an unpleasant smell when the foot is cleaned regularly is another reassuring sign of foot health.
Knowing what to look for provides you with the tools to anticipate and tackle any unwanted hitch in your horse’s health. Below are some commonly found foot issues in horses, along with their symptoms and treatment guidance.
Brittle Hoof
Brittle hoof can be a significant issue for horses, particularly in certain weather conditions and often requires a targeted approach for its management. Here’s an in-depth look at this common problem, its causes, and its treatment.
What is Brittle Hoof?
Often considered a natural defect, brittle hoof predominantly manifests in hot, dry weather conditions. This medical condition can make shoeing an arduous task. The hoof becomes prone to breakage and thus, inadequate to hold nails. Consequently, the nails may be driven too close to the sensitive structures, creating discomfort and causing lameness in the horse.
How to Address Brittle Hoof?
One of the common treatments for brittle hoof is the application of specific oils like Neatsfoot Oil or Hoof Oil to the crust of the hoof. These oils enhance the flexibility of the hoof and make shoeing manageable. However, one must monitor the frequency of oil application since a repeatedly oiled hoof can affect its ability to absorb water, inadvertently leading to an increase in hoof hardness.
A healthier alternative might include “tubbing” the horse’s feet in warm water daily for about five minutes for several days. This procedure softens the horn, preparing it for oil application. The subsequent application of a good oil layer then helps retain the water in the hoof by preventing evaporation.
The Role of Nutrition in Treating Brittle Hoof
Nutrition deficiencies pose a significant role in the existence of brittle horn. Deficiencies of biotin and calcium, and occasionally, zinc, are frequently correlated to this condition. Thus, supplementing the horse’s diet with a daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids can be greatly beneficial, especially for horses with poor quality horn caused by various reasons, including laminitis.
Canker
Canker is an infection of the horn of the horse’s sole that requires prompt care and attention to maintain the horse’s overall health and well-being. In this section, we will explore the background, causes, and treatment of this fairly rare condition.
The Historic Prevalence of Canker
In Victorian times, canker was a notably common issue, particularly in carriage and draught horses. Back then, horses were subjected to dreadful conditions, with frequent exposure of the sole to urine, facilitating the entry of infection.
Identifying Canker in Horses
Horses affected by canker usually do not exhibit lameness, making it crucial for horse owners and caretakers to frequently inspect their horses’ hooves for any signs of the condition.
Treating Canker: The Modern Approach
Thankfully, advancements in stable management and hygiene have mitigated the prevalence of canker in modern times. The primary treatment approach for horses affected by canker is relatively simple. It mainly consists of ensuring the horse’s feet remain dry and applying astringent and antibiotic dressings to the affected sole.
By adhering to proper stable management practices and maintaining good hygiene, horse owners can significantly reduce the risk of canker and uphold the health of their horses’ feet in today’s world.
Corns
Corns are a common foot issue in horses that can lead to discomfort and potential complications. By learning to identify corns and implementing proper treatment and shoeing practices, horse owners can alleviate the pain and prevent these issues from recurring.
Identifying Corns in Horses
Corns are bruises that occur on the sensitive sole of the horse’s hoof, specifically at the angle of the heels. If left unaddressed, corns can cause abscesses that may require further treatment. They are often the result of concussion and pressure from the heel of the shoe, which can stem from incorrect shoeing. Additionally, horses with flat and weak feet are more susceptible to corns.
Assessing and Treating Corns in Horses
The key to successful corn treatment lies in proper diagnosis and a combination of rest, shoe removal, and careful management. Any overlapping or damaged horn should be removed, and a poultice applied. The affected horse must be provided ample resting time, free from shoes.
Preventing Corns: The Importance of Proper Shoeing
One common cause of corns is the practice of keeping shoes on for too long, leading to the hoof wall overlapping the shoe. To prevent corns from recurring, it is crucial to prioritize timely and well-executed shoeing practices. When the horse resumes work, using special shoes that relieve sole pressure is highly recommended.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are a common dermatitis issue affecting horses, primarily caused by excess moisture, mud, and environmental factors. In this section, we’ll delve into the identification, treatment, and prevention of this condition to ensure the well-being of your horse.
Identifying Cracked Heels in Horses
Cracked heels occur when the skin on the horse’s heels and the back of their pasterns becomes irritated by wet mud, allowing infections to take hold and flourish. The skin starts to crack, producing a raw, infected heel with an oozing serous discharge. Horses with cracked heels may show signs of lameness, quickly snatching up their leg in pain and holding it off the ground.
Treating Cracked Heels: Applying Ointments and Rest
Effective treatment of cracked heels requires a combination of ointments, careful wound management, and rest. Antibiotic sprays and powders, which can cause scabbing and re-cracking, should be avoided. Instead, apply an antibiotic ointment to a dressing, place it against the affected area, and secure it with a bandage.
The horse must be given ample time to rest and heal—a process that can take a significant amount of time. If infection persists and the leg becomes swollen, a veterinarian might need to administer antibiotic injections.
Preventing Cracked Heels: Barrier Creams and Dry Management
To prevent cracked heels in horses prone to this issue, consider applying a protective barrier cream like zinc oxide, zinc and castor oil, or Vaseline ointment. These can help protect the skin and hinder cracking.
Most importantly, focus on managing excess moisture. During winter months, it’s crucial to let mud on the horse’s legs dry before brushing it off, rather than washing the heels with water. This approach can significantly reduce the likelihood of cracked heels and maintain your horse’s overall hoof health.
Cracks in Horse Hoof Walls
Cracks in the wall of a horse’s hoof can lead to discomfort and potential complications. Understanding the causes, types, and treatment options for these cracks is essential to maintain your horse’s overall hoof health.
Types of Cracks: Sandcracks and Quarter Cracks
Cracks in horse hooves can be horizontal (true sandcracks) or vertical (false sandcracks). Horizontal cracks are rare and usually result from injuries to the coronet, while vertical cracks at the toe are commonly known as sandcracks, and those at the quarters are called quarter cracks.
Cracks running down from the coronet are more serious and typically occur due to injury to the coronary band. On the other hand, cracks running upwards from the ground surface can be attributed to neglect (especially in unshod horses at grass, whose hooves are not trimmed) or abnormal pressure on the hoof wall. Horses may become lame if the movement of the crack pinches the sensitive tissues underneath or if an infection develops within a deep crack.
Treating and Preventing Cracks: Farrier Intervention and Maintenance
To address a crack in the horse’s hoof wall, immobilizing the crack is crucial to allow it to “grow out” over the course of months. This process relies on the growth of new, healthy horn material from the coronary band, which gradually replaces the cracked area.
The farrier will typically cut a ‘V’ shape in the hoof wall at the ground surface, relieving pressure on the crack’s base. A shoe with a clip on either side of the crack is then fitted to help prevent any movement of the horn while the horse walks. Additionally, a horizontal groove may be rasped at the crack’s apex to stop it from spreading further upwards. Deeper cracks might necessitate antibiotic treatment and could require immobilization by filling the crack with acrylic resin.
Regular hoof maintenance and attention from a skilled farrier significantly contribute to the prevention of cracks in horse hooves and ensure optimal hoof health.
False Quarter
False quarter is a unique hoof wall defect primarily found in horses’ heels. Despite being symptomless in terms of lameness, it compromises the strength and integrity of the hoof structure and requires careful management.
Identifying False Quarter
False quarter is characterized by a thin, brittle layer of horn forming on the hoof wall, typically along the sides. This layer manifests as a groove or series of grooves akin to sandcracks. Unlike other hoof conditions, false quarter does not result in lameness. However, it does lead to noticeable weakness in the horse’s heels.
The core cause of false quarter is usually injury to the coronary band. This kind of damage can often be attributed to tread wounds.
Managing False Quarter: Special Shoes and New Growth Stimulation
Addressing false quarter involves tailored management to support the affected hoof and stimulate the growth of healthy new horn tissue. Special shoes may be required to provide additional support and ensure the horse’s comfort and mobility.
In rare and severe cases, it might be necessary to strip away the hoof wall at the point of the damage. This intervention aims to stimulate the growth of new, healthy horn. While it’s an aggressive treatment, it can be a necessary measure to restore the hoof’s structure and the horse’s overall hoof health.
Forging
Forging, commonly known as “clicking,” is a condition seen in horses where the hind foot hits the forefoot, producing distinctive noise. While usually not harmful, it requires appropriate interventions to ensure seamless movement and noise reduction.
Identifying Forging: The “Clicking” in Horses
The term “forging” hints at the main symptom – the sound of the hind shoe hitting the fore shoe, which often occurs during trotting. While this rarely leads to significant injuries, the continual clicking sound can be an annoyance and disrupt the horse’s stride.
Unschooled and unbalanced horses, particularly young ones or those that haven’t undergone sufficient conditioning, are generally more prone to forging. This condition is more a sign of a coordination issue than a significant health concern.
Handling Forging: Special Shoes and Conditioning
Managing forging effectively often involves horseshoe modification and conditioning exercises. A concave shoe may be a viable solution to reduce the contact between the fore and hind shoe, thus eliminating the clicking noise.
Additionally, enhancing the horse’s balance and conditioning through training plays a significant role in addressing forging. This approach can help to adjust their gait and improve the coordination between fore and hind legs, which might ultimately resolve the forging issue.
Laminitis or “Founder”
Laminitis, otherwise known as “Founder,” is a quite painful condition affecting a horse’s feet. The condition requires an understanding of symptoms, causes, and preventative measures for effective management.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Laminitis
Generally, laminitis impacts both forefeet, and in more severe cases, all four feet may be affected. The condition makes the horse reluctant to move, often seen with hind legs tuckedin under their body, aiming to place as much weight on them as possible. When forced to walk, a horse with laminitis will exhibit a “pottery” walk, attempting to move on its heels to minimize discomfort.
The pain is due to damage to the laminae at the hoof front wall, brought about by changes in the blood flow within the feet. This alteration typically stems from toxins released in the body, commonly from the bowel due to overfeeding. However, it can also be a result of infections like pneumonia.
Laminitis: A Common Issue for Ponies
Particularly common in ponies, laminitis is often caused by an inability to manage lush spring and summer grass or large amounts of concentrated food. Once an animal has experienced laminitis, it’s more prone to recurring bouts in the following years.
Preventative measures often involve relocating the horse to sparsely-grazed areas, particularly during high-risk periods. In more vulnerable individuals, it might be necessary to completely remove grazing, providing hay and water in a large yard instead.
Impact of Laminitis on the Hoof
Laminitis leads to significant changes in the hoof’s shape. Long toes with rings in the walls, known as “laminitic rings,” are caused by irregular horn growth and a lack of wear.
In severe cases, the coffin (pedal) bone’s attachment to the hoof wall may loosen, causing a “dropped sole” characterized by a flat form instead of the usual concave shape. In extreme circumstances, the bone may even protrude through the sole, requiring the humane euthanasia of the horse.
Immediate and Long Term Interventions
In cases of laminitis, both forefeet will exhibit heat, and often, a bounding pulse can be detected. Immediate veterinary intervention is vital, as early administration of painkillers greatly assists in managing the condition. Encouraging movement provides relief by helping alleviate the blood congestion in the feet. Cold-hosing can provide additional relief, though painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs will likely be needed for several days.
Later, addressing hoof problems usually associated with chronic laminitis will become important. This will be a joint effort between the vet and the farrier, including repeated hoof trimming and possibly special shoes to restore a normal hoof shape. Since these animals tend to be more sensitive to ground pressure, they usually benefit from constant shoeing, even while grazing. Additionally, feed supplements promoting healthy horn growth should be incorporated into their diet.
Navicular Disease
Navicular Disease is a degenerative condition primarily affecting middle-aged horses. Identifying early symptoms, understanding causes, and implementing effective treatment protocols can help in managing this disease effectively.
Identifying Navicular Disease: Key Symptoms
Located just above the frog point within the hoof lies the small navicular bone. Degenerative changes in this bone lead to Navicular Disease, often affecting the horse’s both forelegs. However, early-stage lameness might be more evident in one leg.
Initially, lameness may be intermittent, gradually progressing to a permanent state. The telltale “pottery” gait—a result of lameness in both forelegs—can indicate navicular disease. The horse would tend to land its foot on the toe in an effort to avoid heel pressure, where the navicular bone is located. This abnormal movement may lead to excess toe wear on the front shoes, potentially causing the horse to stumble.
The Evolution of Understanding and Treating Navicular Disease
In past years, navicular disease was incurable, most horses with the condition were ultimately euthanized for humane reasons. However, research advancements have shown that changes in the navicular bone owe to alterations in its blood supply.
While the cause of these changes remains a topic of debate, anticoagulants and drugs improving foot circulation now form a part of the treatment protocol. These interventions could produce a cure in approximately 60% of cases.
Researchers have also identified a long-toe/low-heel foot conformation fault as a potential contributing factor to Navicular Disease. Horse owners should ensure their farrier corrects this fault to prevent or manage the disease.
Over-Reach
Over-Reach is a frequent issue among horses, particularly during high-impact activities. It’s important to understand its causes, treat it effectively, and implement preventative measures.
Identifying and Managing Over-Reach
During a gallop, the hind foot’s toe of a horse can often cut the upper part—typically at the heels or higher—of its forefoot, characterizing a condition known as over-reach. Mostly seen in uncollected horses, it can also result from overall weakness while jumping or stopping abruptly.
Treating over-reach involves wound care, essentially cleaning with cold water and applying antiseptic dressings.
Preventing Over-Reach
Beyond immediate treatment, measures should be taken to prevent over-reach recurrences. This might entail modifying training regimes, using protective gear, or consulting equine professionals to address potential underlying causes.
Foot Pricks
Foot pricks among horses can occur through a couple of different mechanics, requiring immediate attention and treatment. Timely intervention can prevent further complications, ensuring your horse remains healthy.
Causes of Foot Pricks and Initial Actions
Foot pricks in horses typically occur in two ways: during shoeing or due to accidental incidents like stepping on a nail. Shoeing pricks are often evident at the time of occurrence and primarily fall under the responsibility of the farrier.
In either scenario, remove the shoe as promptly as possible. Implementing a poultice onto the foot every four hours can help draw out the poison.
Deeply embedded nails pose serious threats as they can damage vital structures within the foot or introduce infections. Particularly, nails penetrating deeply into the frog can adversely affect the tendon beneath it.
Preventive Measures and Professional Help
Foot pricks and puncture wounds could lead to Tetanus, a severe bacterial infection. If your horse isn’t vaccinated against Tetanus, it’s critical to administer an injection of tetanus anti-toxin promptly post-injury.
In case of deep puncture wounds, always seek the assistance of a vet for examination and treatment. They might advise antibiotic injections to avert potential infections.
Pus in the Foot
Pus in the foot is a common cause of lameness in horses. It’s crucial to identify the source of the infection, provide appropriate treatment, and employ preventive measures to maintain overall foot health.
Causes and Recognition of Pus in the Foot
Infections causing pus in the foot can emerge from small cracks or through penetration by sharp objects like flints or nails. The pus causes intense pain as it presses on the foot’s sensitive layers. Signs of this issue include heat in a single foot and a reluctance for the horse to put weight on it.
A vet can often pinpoint the pus’s location by applying pressure to the sole using hoof testing pincers. They can then create a small incision through the horn of the sole to release the trapped pus.
Treatment and Maintenance
Following the release of the pus, the foot should be poulticed for one or more days to extract any lingering poison. If the pus’s location isn’t evident, remove the shoe and apply a poultice for a few days to soften the horn and bring the pus to the surface.
To prevent dirt intrusion, a cotton wool plug may be inserted into the hole until it’s closed by new horn growth. If a large hole was made, a piece of leather can be placed across the sole beneath the refitted shoe to keep the area clean.
Quittor
Quittor is a condition involving a chronic discharge of pus from a hole in the skin at the coronet. Identifying its causes and conducting proper treatment can mitigate this issue, thereby maintaining your horse’s health and comfort.
Recognizing Quittor and Its Causes
Quittor manifests as a continuous discharge of pus from a sinus at the coronet. It’s typically a consequence of an infection in the lateral cartilage of the pedal bone, usually instigated by a deep wound at the coronet.
In the past, Quittor was commonly observed in driving horses due to tread wounds but is less frequently seen in riding horses nowadays.
Treatment Procedures for Quittor
The general treatment regimen for Quittor usually involves a surgical procedure to open the sinus and excise the infected part of the cartilage. After the operation, the issue tends to resolve promptly, improving the horse’s overall condition.
Dealing with Ringbone in Horses
Ringbone refers to the formation of new bone around specific portions of a horse’s leg. Recognizing its characteristics and understanding the right treatment protocol can help manage the condition effectively.
What is Ringbone and its Types
Horse riders often use this term to describe new bone formation around the pastern or pedal bones. It’s classified as high ringbone when located around the pastern joint and bones, and low ringbone when formed around or near the coffin (pedal) joint.
Articular ringbone denotes instances where the new bone develops inside the joint, a more serious situation as it hampers joint mobility. In essence, this is a form of arthritis caused by the degeneration of the joint cartilage, termed degenerative joint disease.
In some cases, this new bone formation could be attributed to bone damage from a blunt impact, or due to a ligament sprain where it attaches to the bone. If this doesn’t occur near a joint, this form of ringbone may “settle down” with some rest, and the horse might regain soundness. A noticeable hard swelling at the leg’s front just above the coronet often hints towards ringbone.
Treatment Strategies for Ringbone
Diagnosing ringbone typically requires X-ray analysis to determine the apt course of treatment. While mild cases might benefit from anti-inflammatory drugs, ringbone affecting joints is severe and often leads to the horse’s retirement from work.
Seedy Toe
Seedy Toe affects the white line of a horse’s foot, leading to adverse consequences if not promptly addressed. By understanding what causes it and how to treat it, we can help our horses maintain their hoof health.
Identifying the Causes and Symptoms of Seedy Toe
Seedy Toe arises from an inflammation-induced injury to the white line, impacting its horn secretion and causing separation between the hoof casing and the horny laminae. The issue generally originates at the toe.
Laminitis is often the culprit, although other factors such as weakness or pressure created by a shoe clip can also trigger the condition. When the shoe is removed, the lack of a white line in certain areas or the detection of hollowness by tapping the wall may indicate a case of Seedy Toe.
Treating Seedy Toe Effectively
When Seedy Toe is identified, the cavity exposed must be probed and cleaned. It may be necessary to rasp away part of the wall to eliminate mealy horn. The hole can then be packed with cotton wool swabs to keep dirt out and allow the affected area to ‘grow out’ with new horn growth.
Lameness is usually not a side effect of Seedy Toe unless the infection penetrates deeply into the horn. Thus, maintaining vigilance in identifying Seedy Toe and prompt treatment measures are key steps towards ensuring your horse’s hoof health.
Sidebones
In the world of horsekeeping, the term “sidebones” refers to the hardening of certain components inside a horse’s hoof. By understanding its occurrences and implications, horse caregivers can better ensure their equines’ comfort and health.
Sidebones: What are They?
The term “sidebones” describes a condition where the lateral cartilages attached to the pedal bone inside a horse’s hoof undergo hardening. In effect, these cartilages transform into bone — a phenomenon that is a natural part of the aging process for all horses.
In some instances, however, this ossification may occur earlier, when horses are still young. Although it’s rare, this condition can occasionally be linked with lameness. The level of hardness or softness of these cartilages can be felt just above the coronet, over the hoof’s quarters.
Misinterpretations of Sidebones in the Past
In past times, sidebones were frequently misinterpreted as the cause of lameness when, in fact, the source of the problem was elsewhere. Thus, while it’s crucial to be aware of signs of sidebones, it’s equally important not to prematurely associate them with issues of lameness without conducting a comprehensive health assessment.
Managing Thrush in Horses
Thrush is a common hoof issue that results from the infection and decomposition of the frog’s horn. By understanding its causes and proper prevention strategies, horse caregivers can help their equines avoid this problem and maintain overall hoof health.
Recognizing the Symptoms and Causes of Thrush
When a horse’s frog is infected and begins to rot, it turns black and emits a distinctive cheesy smell. Thrush is typically caused by a failure to pick out the feet properly, leading to mud and droppings being packed into the frog clefts. Consequently, moisture is absorbed into the frog, softening it and allowing bacteria present in soil and droppings to penetrate the horn and trigger an infection.
Horses with “boxy,” upright feet and small frogs may be more prone to thrush due to increased space for material trapping. While this issue tends to be more prevalent in stabled horses, it can also occur while at pasture during winter months due to wet conditions.
Treating and Preventing Thrush
Lameness is usually not a concern with thrush unless the infection reaches sensitive tissues beneath the frog. To address the issue, clean the frog thoroughly and remove all rotten horn. The frog and its clefts should then be treated daily with an astringent (such as 10% formalin, copper sulfate solution, or tincture of iodine) until the infection subsides.
Aerosols containing antibiotics and gentian violet (blue sprays) are also excellent treatments for thrush. Maintaining clean bedding and practicing good foot care can help avert this issue. However, some horses are particularly susceptible to thrush and may not be suitable for deep litter bedding or wintering out.
Understanding and Managing Treads in Horses
“Treads” refer to specific types of hoof wounds, similar to Over-Reaches. Knowing how treads occur and how to treat them is vital for horse caregivers and riders to ensure their equines’ well-being.
Recognizing Treads and Prevention Methods
Treads are inflicted on a horse’s hind feet by the front toe of another horse. For this reason, riders should always maintain a full horse-length behind the animal in front when riding in single file. This practice can significantly reduce the risk of treads occurring and help avoid potential injuries to the horses.
Treatment for Treads
The treatment for treads is identical to that for Over-Reaches. By addressing the wound promptly and providing appropriate care, horse caregivers can help their equines recover more rapidly from these injuries and return to their regular activities sooner.
