Horse Hoof Diseases & Problems

All horses have hooves, and those four hard structures capping off the animal's legs are vitally important to its well-being. They support the horse when it stands or moves around at a walk, trot or lope. If the hoof is diseased or has some other problem, the horse's movement can be inhibited. A responsible horse owner monitors her horse's hooves because recognizing problems early allows them to be treated as quickly as possible, boosting the chances for a full recovery.

Each hoof has a coronary band, also called a coronet, at its top. The coronary band starts where the hoof meets the leg, and the hoof wall grows downward from the band. The wall is tapered rather than even, with a shorter part over the horse's heel and the longest part at the front. Although the outer hoof wall is hard, the underside is more pliable. It has a V-shaped indentation called the frog, which is flexible and has a rubbery texture. Above each end of the V, there is a rounded part called a bulb, which is also softer than the outer part of the hoof.

Horses can weigh up to 2,000 pounds or more, depending on the breed, although most weigh in around 1,000 to 1,200 pounds. The hooves bear the horse's body weight and take a lot of impact when it moves. Even when a horse is standing, it puts tremendous weight on its hooves. Because of all the stress they face every day, the hooves must be healthy and problem-free in order to do their job comfortably and correctly. If they become diseased or develop serious problems, the horse can become lame temporarily or permanently. In the most serious cases, the horse may have to be euthanized if it can no longer move or stand without pain.

Domestic horses face a variety of common hoof problems and diseases. One of the most common problems is overly dry hooves. When the hooves aren't getting enough moisture because of environmental conditions, they become more prone to cracking and chipping. This can be prevented through the application of a moisturizer. Appropriate products can be purchased at saddle shops and feed stores. If the hooves don't have shoes and are severely cracked or chipped, the animal may need to be shod temporarily until the damage grows out. Being too moist can be just as bad for a hoof as being too dry. Being in wet conditions can cause an infection called thrush, which is very noticeable because it causes an odor of decay. Black pus is also present on the underside of the hoof because the bacteria move into the deep grooves of the frog. Thrush can be treated with over-the-counter topical liquids. It can be prevented by keeping the horse in a clean, well-bedded stall. White line disease may attack the hooves of horses that live in hot, humid areas. However, the disease has been found in colder climates. This disease makes the sole separate itself from the hoof's wall. This results in an opening that allows bacteria and fungus to get in and flourish. The underside of the hooves may feel tender, causing the horse to become lame and have difficulty walking. White line disease can be treated with over-the-counter topical liquids and appropriate shoeing by an experienced farrier. One of the most serious hoof problems is called laminitis or founder. This problem can occur if a horse eats too much grain or grass at one time, especially after heavy exercise. Colic can also cause founder because of the toxins that get into the bloodstream during the colic attack. If a horse has Cushing's disease or bad blood circulation to its legs, it can be more prone to founder. This disease must be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for the horse to have the best chance of recovery. The veterinarian will focus on keeping the horse comfortable during the long healing process, and a farrier will assist with specialized trimming and shoeing.

Hoof problems and diseases can often be prevented by giving a horse proper care. Its hooves should be cleaned out with a hoof pick every day, and if it is being kept in a dry environment, a moisturizer should be applied every few days. Its stall should be kept clean and have enough bedding to keep the horse from having to stand in wet spots. A farrier should have a standing appointment to trim the hooves every six to eight weeks. For horses that are shod, the shoes should be reset at each trimming. Some horse owners use supplements that are added to the horse's feed to promote good hoof health. These are readily available at feed stores and tack shops. If anything ever looks suspicious, the owner should call a veterinarian immediately so he can evaluate whether there might be a serious problem. The more quickly hoof problems are treated, the better the odds for a complete recovery with no lasting effects on the horse's mobility.

Hoof problems and diseases can cause a horse to become permanently lame if they are not treated promptly and appropriately. Even something as simple as a chip or crack can get so big that it threatens the integrity of the hoof's structure. Although most hoof problems are not a cause for panic, they should still be acted on immediately. Always consult a veterinarian to get a diagnosis and treatment instructions. This is the best way to prevent an initially minor problem from turning into a lifelong crippler.