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Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Long or Overgrown Hooves
Summary
In their natural state, horses wear their hoof capsules down while roaming long distances. Hooves become overgrown when a horse is removed from this state, i.e. domesticated horses that are confined in a stall or small area or when the hoof is covered with a shoe. In this instance, routine trimming becomes necessary. Neglected horses often have very long or overgrown hooves.
If your horse has long or overgrown hooves, carefully evaluate them and assess them for lameness. Over what period has the hoof grown to this point? What is the trimming history? Are the growth rings relatively even? Has the toe grown along with the heel, or is heel or toe growing faster? Is there change to the appearance of the front of the hoof wall?
If your horse has long or overgrown hooves, carefully evaluate them and assess them for lameness. Over what period has the hoof grown to this point? What is the trimming history? Are the growth rings relatively even? Has the toe grown along with the heel, or is heel or toe growing faster? Is there change to the appearance of the front of the hoof wall?
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- Provided there is no lameness and there is an explanation for the appearance.
your role
What To Do
Share your findings and concerns with your farrier, who can advise you on the best approach to trimming overgrown hooves. However, if there are other abnormalities or lameness, share your findings and concerns with your vet.What Not To Do
Do not simply trim severely overgrown hooves. Talk to your farrier or vet first, they may recommend a more gradual approach.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will assess the hooves and may recommend a lameness exam. However, keep in mind that it can be very hard to assess lameness in horses with severely overgrown hooves. In severe cases, trimming may be required before a proper lameness exam can be conducted.
Generally, overgrown hooves should be trimmed gradually, in stages. In the case of suspected laminitis or other hoof disorders, radiographs can be very helpful.
Generally, overgrown hooves should be trimmed gradually, in stages. In the case of suspected laminitis or other hoof disorders, radiographs can be very helpful.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When was the horse last shod or trimmed?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Does the front (dorsal) hoof wall appear dished or concave?
- Do you notice digital pulses in the feet?
- Do you notice any lameness?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- Do you notice pronounced rings on the hoof wall?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
