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
Hoof Pulled Off, Loss of Entire Hoof Capsule
Summary
Occasionally, a horse, donkey or mule can rip off the entire hoof capsule like a glove. This is rare. I have seen it several times, and in both cases, the equine was traveling at speed and entrapped the hoof or shoe in a very heavy, immobile steel fence or cattle guard. Occasionally, a young foal will have a hoof stepped on by another horse and lose the hoof capsule.
In some cases of laminitis, and other conditions causing loss of blood flow to the hoof, the hoof capsule may simply detach, become loose and fall off. This is a grave sign and usually necessitates euthanasia.
Horses may actually survive after this injury but must re-grow the entire hoof capsule. In most cases, there will be some abnormality of the new hoof capsule and some degree of chronic lameness probably will result. But there are cases in which horses do return to soundness. The prognosis is better in foals.
It will likely take a full year for the horse to completely re-grow the hoof, and intense nursing care may be needed through this time for the best result. It requires a massive commitment to go through this process with a horse. Foals tend to require less work, grow the hoof capsule back faster, and are more tolerant of the lameness that results.
In some cases of laminitis, and other conditions causing loss of blood flow to the hoof, the hoof capsule may simply detach, become loose and fall off. This is a grave sign and usually necessitates euthanasia.
Horses may actually survive after this injury but must re-grow the entire hoof capsule. In most cases, there will be some abnormality of the new hoof capsule and some degree of chronic lameness probably will result. But there are cases in which horses do return to soundness. The prognosis is better in foals.
It will likely take a full year for the horse to completely re-grow the hoof, and intense nursing care may be needed through this time for the best result. It requires a massive commitment to go through this process with a horse. Foals tend to require less work, grow the hoof capsule back faster, and are more tolerant of the lameness that results.
-
Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
Cover the hoof in a towel or bandage until your vet can assess the horse. Ask them whether you can use a pain relieving anti-inflammatory to give the horse some pain relief until they arrive.What Not To Do
Do not assume that an equine cannot survive this injury, and immediately euthanize. In many cases, with adequate care and lots of patience, an equine can re-grow a hoof capsule and return to function. Let your vet do the necessary diagnostics and help you make a decision.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
When this sort of injury occurs, veterinary examination and diagnostics early on may separate cases that might survive from those with a poor prognosis.
Cases involving a fracture or exposed bone have a grave prognosis and should be euthanized. Vets use their clinical examination, along with x-ray and possibly other diagnostics to determine the best approach to treatment.
Cases involving a fracture or exposed bone have a grave prognosis and should be euthanized. Vets use their clinical examination, along with x-ray and possibly other diagnostics to determine the best approach to treatment.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When do you think the injury happened?
- Can I have your location and directions to get to you as soon as possible?
- Do you know of a prior injury to this area?
- Was the horse involved in an accident that you know of?
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)
