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 Wall Crack, Parallel to Ground, Horizontal, with 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.
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. However, when they are, it is usually because bacteria have colonized and multiplied within the crack, causing a closed infection or an abscess. This can cause severe, even non-weight bearing 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. However, when they are, it is usually because bacteria have colonized and multiplied within the crack, causing a closed infection or an abscess. This can cause severe, even non-weight bearing lameness.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) in the resting horse indicate fever (Temp >101F/38.3C) or heart rate greater than 48 BPM.
- If severe and obvious lameness is visible at the walk.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If the lameness is mild.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to their temperature and the presence of heat or a digital pulse in the affected hoof and limb. If a horse is severely lame on a limb that has one of these cracks, keep in mind that an infection of the crack could be the cause.A horse with an infected hoof crack will usually have strong digital pulse, heat in the hoof wall, may have a fever and/or swelling in the lower limb. Of course, the lameness may be totally unrelated to the crack. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
What Not To Do
Do not attempt to cover, bridge or seal hoof cracks without the supervision of an experienced farrier or vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will use physical exam and careful assessment of the hoof, the crack and the rest of the limb to determine the cause of the lameness. If they determine that there is an abscess, they will typically establish drainage by opening the crack.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How lame is the horse?
- Do you notice digital pulse and heat in the foot?
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- Do you notice heat or swelling in the limb?
- 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.
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
