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
Rough Hoof Wall, Lines or Rings on Hoof Wall
Summary
Obvious horizontal lines or rings on the hoof wall indicate historical interruptions to hoof wall growth. These lines are caused by a variety of factors, including changes in feed and management, direct injury to the coronet band, stress and illness, and even changing weather conditions over time. They also can indicate disease, especially laminitis. Changes in hoof appearance can be caused by malnutrition, metabolic diseases like EMS and PPID (Cushing's Disease), and certain dietary excesses and deficiencies.
Generally, if the lines are wider at the heel this indicates more rapid hoof wall growth at the heels and is more compatible with a finding of laminitis or club foot. Other signs that a horse has had laminitis include a widened white line, dished dorsal hoof wall, and dropped sole. Horses with club feet also show this pattern, but for a different reason.
Generally, if the lines are wider at the heel this indicates more rapid hoof wall growth at the heels and is more compatible with a finding of laminitis or club foot. Other signs that a horse has had laminitis include a widened white line, dished dorsal hoof wall, and dropped sole. Horses with club feet also show this pattern, but for a different reason.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If there is mild lameness accompanying this sign.
- If the horse seems stiff, or digital pulse is present.
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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.
- If you do not notice digital pulse or heat in the feet.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's feet, look for lameness, and share your findings and concerns with your vet. Pay particular attention to whether the space between rings is even from heel to toe, and how each foot compares to the other. Think of these rings as similar to growth rings within a tree trunk. Note and be able to describe to your vet the appearance of the hoof wall, the specific appearance of these rings, and whether or not they are even heel to toe. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet considers this finding in the context of the rest of the exam, including the presence of absence of lameness. If laminitis is a consideration, then radiographs may be needed. If other feet are affected, it can indicate one of many factors as the cause, and more investigation may be warranted.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Has your horse been lame in the past?
- Is the horse lame now?
- Has your horse been diagnosed with laminitis?
- Is one foot or multiple feet affected?
- If the horse is lame, how lame?
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- Are you considering purchasing this horse?
- Can you think of any historical factors that might account for this?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
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.
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)
Less Common