Very 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
Sheared Heels, Coronet Not Same Height at Heels or Quarters of Hoof
Summary
Looking at your horse's foot from behind, you notice one heel appears higher than the other. In other words, the coronary band is not level. It is higher medial or lateral (inside or outside) The "sheared" heel is higher than the normal heel. This condition results from unbalanced forces being applied over a long period of time to one side of the ground surface of the hoof wall or another. It can occur in either hind or front feet.
Unbalanced forces often result from limb conformational abnormalities (angular limbs). An example might be a horse that toes out significantly and bears more weight on the inside of the hoof. In this case, the tendency might be to drive the coronet band higher on the inside. Hoof care and management can either help or worsen this condition.
Unbalanced forces often result from limb conformational abnormalities (angular limbs). An example might be a horse that toes out significantly and bears more weight on the inside of the hoof. In this case, the tendency might be to drive the coronet band higher on the inside. Hoof care and management can either help or worsen this condition.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- Even if the horse does not appear to be lame to you.
your role
What To Do
It is always wise to promptly bring changes in hoof appearance to the attention of your farrier. They may recommend a shoeing or trimming prescription to reduce upward forces on the affected heel.In some cases, sheared heel may be associated with lameness, and a veterinary lameness exam will be needed. Assess your horse for lameness at walk and trot, but realize that you may miss subtle lameness. It may be helpful to take a photo of the heels directly from behind, with the horse standing square on level concrete, and with the hooves cleaned out. Share this ohoto with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will assess the horse's conformation, the specifics of the hoof abnormality and will perform a lameness exam. At that point, they will provide diagnosis and options for treatment.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Is there digital pulse or heat in foot?
- When did you first notice this problem?
- How does this foot compare to the others?
- Do you notice any lameness?
- Do you notice a hoof wall crack associated with this?
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)
