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
Scar on Coronet, Hairline of Hoof
Summary
Wounds to the lower limb are common in horses. Sometimes these involve the coronary band, the hairline of the hoof where the vital tissue that create the hoof wall is generated. The coronet is the functional equivalent of our cuticle and, if damaged, the fingernail grows out abnormally.
In horses with a scarred coronet band, the hoof wall that grows from it will likely be abnormal. In some cases, this appears only as minor roughening of the surface. In more severe cases, there may be a severely deformed hoof wall that can result in hoof instability and lameness. Poor quality hoof wall produced under these scars are also likely to develop cracks, which can lead to infection.
In horses with a scarred coronet band, the hoof wall that grows from it will likely be abnormal. In some cases, this appears only as minor roughening of the surface. In more severe cases, there may be a severely deformed hoof wall that can result in hoof instability and lameness. Poor quality hoof wall produced under these scars are also likely to develop cracks, which can lead to infection.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- For an assessment of how this will affect your horse's management and performance.
- If you are considering purchase, be sure to have a purchase exam performed.
your role
What To Do
If you notice any abnormality along the coronary band, discuss it with your vet. Assess the horse for lameness and feel the hoof for heat or a digital pulse. In a pre-purchase exam, a severely scarred coronet is a potentially serious fault worth discussing with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
When evaluating a horse, an experienced vet will know whether a damaged coronet and hoof wall is likely to cause the horse a problem for a particular use. In addition, they will know how to minimize the impact of a damaged coronet through shoeing or trimming. In some acute (recent) cases of coronet wounding, a surgical approach may be very helpful in minimizing scarring.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Are you considering the horse for purchase, or currently own the horse?
- 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.
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.
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)
