Horse Hoof Diseases

A horse's hooves are of vital importance because they are the structures on which the horse stands, walks and runs. When they are healthy, the horse can move smoothly and comfortably. If they become diseased, the horse can become lame and be unable to walk or even stand. Horse owners should know about the most common hoof diseases so they can recognize potential problems and begin treatment early.

A horse's hooves are the weight-bearing structures on the end of each of its four legs. Hooves are made up of several different parts. At the top, where the hoof meets the leg, there is a coronary band, also known as the coronet. The walls of the hooves grow down from this band. The hoof wall is tapered so that it is longer in the front part and shorter above the horse's heel. On the bottom of the hoof there is a softer, rubbery, V-shaped part called the frog, with a groove along each side of the V. There is a bulb above each side of the V, just above the heel.

Because horses normally weight from 1,000 to 20,00 pounds, and because the hooves bear this weight as the animal moves, foot health is critically important. A horse's hooves are prone to certain diseases that can cause problems such as lameness and even cripple the horse permanently. Serious hoof diseases can actually be fatal if left untreated or may become so severe that the horse must be put down because it is in constant pain.

There are many types of hoof diseases, but three of the most common are thrush, White Line Disease and laminitis. Thrush happens when a horse's hoof begins to rot away from its frog due to a bacterial infection. This usually occurs if the horse is kept in a wet area or in a chronically dirty stall. Thrush causes a black pus and a rotting smell. It can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter medications, as well as by keeping the horse in clean conditions. It doesn't usually cause long-term damage if treated when the first symptoms occur. White Line Disease usually happens in hot, humid climates, but it can happen anywhere. It causes the sole of the horse's foot to separate from the hoof wall. This creates an opening where fungus and bacteria can enter and grow. The bottom of the hooves becomes tender, which can result in lameness. This disease can be treated with special shoeing and medications. Laminitis, also called founder, is a very serious hoof disease. It can be caused by overfeeding a horse, either on grain or a too-rich pasture, or it can occur after a severe bout with colic. Post-colic laminitis is the result of toxins that are released into the horse's blood during the illness. There are other causes, such as Cushing's Disease or poor blood circulation. When a horse develops laminitis, the vet will manage its pain, and special shoes may be used to counteract the effects. Some horses can recover completely from laminitis, but it is a long, painful process.

Horse owners can prevent hoof diseases or catch and treat them early by monitoring their horse's feet on a regular basis. A horse's hooves should be cleaned with a tool called a hoof pick on a daily basis. If the owner notices anything unusual, she should contact a veterinarian. The hooves should be trimmed by a farrier every 6 to 8 weeks, and if the horse wears shoes, they should be reset after the trim. The farrier can notice potential problems and give recommendations on how to head them off. For example, he might notice that the hooves are dry and chipping and will recommend using a moisturizer. If there is a bad odor in the grooves of the frog, he might recommend treating the horse for thrush. Many horse owners also add supplements to their horse's diet. There are a variety of supplements to support hoof health that are available at feed and tack stores. A farrier or veterinarian can recommend an appropriate supplement.

If hoof diseases are left untreated, they can cause permanent lameness. Even a simple infection like thrush can have a permanent effect if it is not taken care of as soon as it is diagnosed. If you notice changes in your horse's hooves or see signs of pain or lameness, don't wait to see what will happen in a few days. Contact your veterinarian immediately. For most hoof diseases, prompt treatment can mean the difference between a horse that returns to good health and one that is permanently crippled.