Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Hoof Wall Crack, Toe or Quarter, Vertical, No Lameness or Blood at Coronet
Summary
Hoof cracks are relatively common. Long toe/low heel conformation and various hoof imbalances cause shearing forces that can crack the wall. The development of hoof cracks relates to these forces, as well as a horse's genetic hoof quality, nutrition, environment and the care that the hoof has received.
Tiny partial thickness vertical cracks are more likely associated with poor quality hoof wall and usually do not cause a problem for the horse. Hoof cracks and poor quality hoof wall also develop if there is scarring of the coronet band from an old wound or injury.
Hoof cracks can also allow bacteria into the live tissues of the foot and cause abscesses, which can cause the sudden onset of severe lameness.
Tiny partial thickness vertical cracks are more likely associated with poor quality hoof wall and usually do not cause a problem for the horse. Hoof cracks and poor quality hoof wall also develop if there is scarring of the coronet band from an old wound or injury.
Hoof cracks can also allow bacteria into the live tissues of the foot and cause abscesses, which can cause the sudden onset of severe lameness.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
Assess lameness at the walk and trot. Feel for heat and digital pulse in the foot. You may simply monitor a hoof crack if it is not bleeding or growing larger, and there is no heat or digital pulse in the foot, your horse is not lame, and there seem to be no other problems. Minor or partial cracks may exist within the hoof wall without causing any health or performance related problem.However, it is always best to call your farrier or vet to discuss this development, and follow their recommendations for general management, including shoeing or trimming suggestions to treat or prevent this problem.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
In assessing a hoof crack, your vet determines what if any treatment is needed. A large part of that decision will be determined by the specifics of the crack, the presence or absence of lameness, and whether a horse must continue to perform or can rest. Your vet may also help guide you in management and nutrition, and choosing a good quality hoof supplement.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice this problem?
- Has the horse had a hoof crack before?
- Does the crack start at the coronet band or from the ground surface?
- If starting from the ground surface, does the crack reach the coronet?
- Do you notice if there is an old scar at the coronet band at the level of the crack?
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.
Less Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
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)
