Rare
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, Parallel to Ground, Horizontal, No Lameness
Summary
Horizontal hoof cracks (parallel to the ground) are caused by injuries that interrupt hoof wall growth at the coronet, the hairline of the hoof where the hoof wall is generated. Whatever the injury, it happened in the past. The lower the crack on the hoof wall, the older the injury that caused it. The crack grows down about 1 cm per month as the hoof wall grows out. Ultimately, the crack reaches the ground surface of the hoof and wears off or is trimmed off. So in most cases, this is not considered a long-term unsoundness.
Many things can cause this interruption that turns into a crack, including sole abscesses opening at the coronet, pressure from a boot, or other trauma to the area. Horizontal hoof wall cracks usually are not associated with lameness.
Many things can cause this interruption that turns into a crack, including sole abscesses opening at the coronet, pressure from a boot, or other trauma to the area. Horizontal hoof wall cracks usually are not associated with lameness.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources
your role
What To Do
Keep hoof cracks cleaned out, and hooves picked out. Try to maintain good stall or enclosure hygiene. Monitor for lameness, heat in hoof and digital pulse. Any or all of these could indicate an infection developing under the crack.WHAT YOUR VET OR FARRIER DOES
Your farrier may need to negotiate around the crack in horse shoe nail placement. As a crack grows out toward the ground surface, it may cause the hoof wall to be weak and not hold a nail. Occasionally, a very large crack can destabilize the hoof and requires special shoeing techniques for support as it grows out.
Occasionally, horses develop infections under the hoof wall associated with one of these cracks. That would appear as sudden lameness and could necessitate a vet visit.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How far down the hoof wall is the crack?
- Is there a digital pulse in this foot that is greater than in the others?
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)
Very Common
Less Common