EQUINE FOOT ANATOMY
KAMIL MALIK
MVSc(VSR)
SKUAST-J
OSTEOLOGY OF HORSE FEET
TMB - third metacarpal
bone,
PS - proximal sesamoid
bones,
PP - proximal phalanx,
MP - middle phalanx.
DP - distal phalanx,
EP - extensor process,
C - cartilage of distal
phalanx.
ARTERIOGRAM OF HOOF
DORSO - PALMAR
VIEW
T -THE TERMINAL
ARCH
ARROWS- THE
CIRCUMFLEX
ARTERY) OF SOLE.
D-PAIRED
DORSAL ARTERY
THE HOOF FROM THE BOTTOM
1. Bulb of Heel
2. Bar(s)
3. Sole
4. Wall
5. Toe
6. White Line
7. Frog
A. Central groove
B. Ridge
C. Lateral groove
D. Apex
The Hoof
1. Digital Flexor Tendon
2. Sesamoidean ligament
3. Digital extensor tendon
4. Long pastern bone
5. Short pastern bone
6. Coronary corium
7. Pedal bone
8. Laminar corium
9. Wall
10. White Line 12. Plantar cushion
11. Sole 13. Navicular bone
INSENSITIVE/ SENSITIVE LAMINAE
1. Insensitive
laminae
2. Sensitive
laminae
3. Laminar
corium
VARIOUS AFFECTION OF HOOF
Abscesses
Contracted Heels
Corns
Laminitis (Founder)
Navicular Syndrome
Sand Cracks
Seedy Toe
Thrush
White Line Disease
ABSCESSES
Infections of the soft portion of the hoof
Usually start as a result of a puncture wound or injury
CLINICAL SIGNS
- Lameness with
severe pain
- May see dark spot on
hoof
- Some abscesses may
open and drain
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Abscess will need to be opened to allow drainage
Antibiotics for deeper abscesses
Severe abscesses may require long-term treatment with
regular dressing changes
Good hoof care to prevent cracks and injuries, including
topical protection
CONTRACTED HEELS
The heel area narrows
such that the width at the
base of the frog is less
than 2/3 the width of the
widest part of the hoof
CAUSES
- Poor conformation - genetics
Dry environment leading to loss of moisture in hoof
Improper shoeing or poor hoof trimming
Lack of exercise
CLINICAL SIGNS
- The width at the base of the frog is less than 2/3 the
width of the widest part of the hoof
- Can often lead to other hoof problems
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Proper hoof trimming (may take months of regular
trimming to resolve) and, if necessary, corrective
shoeing
Restore hoof moisture
Proper hoof trimming and shoeing
Providing adequate exercise
CORNS
Bruise of the sole at the back of the hoof at the angle
between the wall and the bars
Improper shoeing or poor hoof trimming
CLINICAL SIGNS
Yellow or red discoloration of the sole, usually on the
front feet
Possible lameness
Soreness of the area when using a hoof tester
Area of corn may become abscessed
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Corrective trimming
Shoeing to protect and transfer weight from the bruised
area
Draining of the area if there is an abscess
Proper hoof trimming and shoeing
LAMINITIS (FOUNDER)
Inflammation of the sensitive lamina (the connective
tissue between the hoof and the coffin bone). The
circulation becomes disrupted.
CAUSES
Poor foot trimming
Grain overload
Toxicity from colic
Certain steroid
medications
Foot injury
CLINICAL SIGNS
The signs are progressive. At first, walks as though on
eggshells. Then weight shifted to rear feet. Then resists
walking, and lies down much of the time. Can result in
severe, permanent, life-threatening lameness.
Cat on hot bricks (very peculiar gait)
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Radiographs (x-rays) often necessary
Provide soft footing
Give anti-inflammatory medications and medications
that improve circulation to the foot
Corrective shoeing
Good nutrition - avoid too much grain or concentrated
carbohydrate
Provide good footing
NAVICULAR SYNDROME
Inflammation and
degeneration of the
navicular bone and
surrounding tissues.
This disease begins with
inflammation and
gradually results in
deterioration of the bony
tissue of the navicular
bone.
CAUSES
Genetics and poor conformation
Improper nutrition
Continual impact of the toe on hard surfaces
CLINICAL SIGNS
Intermittent lameness that tends to get worse over time
Toe will become worn as it hits the ground before the
heel
Usually affects front feet
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
- Proper trimming and shoeing
- Medications to increase circulation and decrease pain
- Surgery may be necessary
Proper breeding
- Proper shoeing
- Adequate exercise, avoiding athletic stress
SAND CRACKS
Vertical cracks in the hoof
wall that start at the ground
surface
Improper shoeing
- Excessively dry
environment
- Poor nutrition
- Training on hard surfaces
CAUSES
Improper shoeing
- Excessively dry
environment
- Poor nutrition
- Training on hard surfaces
SIGNS
- Crack usually visible. May not cause lameness if
remains superficial
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Corrective shoeing
- Restrict activity
- If deep, hoof repair and pain medication
- Proper shoeing
- Good nutrition
- Hoof moisturizer and protectant
SEEDY TOE
Separation of the hoof
wall at the white line. Is
sometimes used as a
synonym for "white line
disease"
CAUSES
Often a consequence of laminitis
SIGNS
Crumbly soft material at the junction of the hoof wall
and sole (the white line)
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
- Hoof trimming and
corrective shoeing
- Ensure tetanus
vaccination is up to date
Prevent conditions that
could lead to laminitis
THRUSH
Bacterial infection of the frog
CAUSES
Frog consistently packed
with manure, mud, or
moist bedding
SIGNS
Foul-smelling, black, clay-
like material in the area
surrounding the frog
TREATMENT AND PEVENTION
- Clean hooves
- Improve sanitation and keep horse's feet dry
- Use a drying agent if necessary
- Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date
Clean hooves regularly
- Provide dry environment
- Use a thrush topical
WHITE LINE DISEASE
A breakdown of the
protein in the inner hoof
wall by bacteria and fungi
CAUSES
Bacterial or fungal infection often associated with hoof
injuries that allow entrance of the microorganisms
- More common in humid conditions
- Improper trimming
SIGNS
- Starts with powdery,
chalky area located along
the junction of the hoof
wall and sole (the white
line); then causes a
separation of the wall and
sole
- Soreness
- Abnormal growth of
hoof wall
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
- Hoof trimming to remove affected wall
- Corrective shoeing
- Medications to kill fungus and bacteria
- Keep hoof clean and dry
- Prompt treatment of any other hoof condition
- Proper nutrition
- Good sanitation
THANK YOU
