Horse Lameness By Dr. Joanna Bronson | http://bronsonvetservices.com/ Horses are designed to carry a lot of weight on 4 legs. These legs need a strong hoof base that can evenly disperse that weight. Due to genetics, some horses do not have sufficient hoof span to effectively support the work they are asked to do and are more prone to developing hoof problems that can temporarily or permanently disable them. Given the knowledge that good hoof care is essential to the welfare and usefulness of the horse, consistent care can forestall a lot of hoof problems. However, problems do exist and show up despite the most diligent care. Common hoof problems include laminitis, thrush, ringbone, keratoma, corns, sole bruises, cracks in the hoof wall, navicular disease, quittor, hoof abscesses, white line disease, thin soles, hygroma, keratocele, cidito, nail punctures, sheared heels, and quarters, plus other unpredictable injuries. A Tetanus booster is warranted for any puncture, open wound, or abscess. Every horse owner fears Laminitis, which ranks high as a severe disease that can lead to total disability and even premature death. Laminitis might have multiple causes. Among those are poorly trimmed hooves, an overindulgence of grain or grass, a reaction to medication, injury, stress, and toxins produced from an incident of colic, or a high fever from an illness. Signs of Laminitis are a red-alert situation and an afflicted horse needs immediate medical attention. Most cases of laminitis can be treated with good management, medication, and hoof care. However, the chances of a repeat flare-up is always a concern. Thrush can be an ongoing concern. Treatments consist of medication, good horsekeeping, and hoof trimming. Some horses are more susceptible than others housed in the same conditions. Ringbone is thought to be primarily genetic. This condition produces an excessive accumulation of horn tissue in areas of the hoof. Over time, the ringbone solidifies, and most horses can resume normal activities. Keratoma develops with the formation of corn tumors inside the hoof wall. The cause is from regular irritation in the sensitive laminae of the coronary band's soft tissues. Removal of the tumor is the main treatment with medication. Corns and sole bruises are most often caused by injuries during walking or riding, insufficient hoof trimming, or improper balance of weight over the frog area. Affected horses display varying degrees of lameness. Sand cracks in the hoof wall need surgical removal of the extra tissue and antibiotics. Navicular Disease is any type of heel pain resulting in lameness and a painful gait. It is thought to be genetic, but can also be caused by improper nutrition, continuous exposure to unusual hard, rocky ground, and working in too tight or small circles. Corrective shoeing, and a selective balanced diet can help alleviate the pain. Quittor is an infection usually found on the front legs with the primary cause being an injury. If not treated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Hoof abscesses are like a boil. The injured area is contaminated by a secondary infection leaving the horse severely lame. FEBRUARY 2021 • C & C PUBLISHING, INC. Š2021
White Line Disease is a white line in the hoof. Since the separation may invite bacteria or fungi, treatment is essential. Trimming the area and treating it with antiseptics is the usual route. Thin soles might be natural or due to neglect. Shoe pads are helpful in protecting sensitive soles. Hygroma is an inflammation of the bursa of the knee joint and is common in racehorses. Many may not experience lameness. There are multiple nutritional supplements that might help stimulate hoof growth through feed additives. A variety of topical applications are also available to nourish the hoof wall. New types of shoes and pads can offer relief for hoof problems along with removable hoof boots that can be custom sized. Trial studies have become reality with new products such as Hoof Armor. This is an adhesive which is being used as a horse shoe replacement where glue is used instead of nails to adhere the shoe. Hoof Armor has also been used to treat severe cases of White Line Disease and as an effective antimicrobial agent. Upon physical inspection, most cases of lameness can be treated at home with rest, proper trims or shoeing, and medication. Still, the best defense against developing any hoof problem is routine inspection, cleaning, regular trims, proper shoeing, and good horse-keeping practices. All lameness issues warrant a call to your vet. About Dr. Bronson Dr. Joanna Bronson graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 at the top of her class. Following graduation, she worked as an intern at a large equine referral practice in Cleveland, Ohio specializing in lameness, surgery, and racetrack medicine. In 2005, she opened Bronson Veterinary Services in Coldwater, Michigan. What started as an ambulatory only practice, quickly grew to a full-service equine, small animal hospital and surgical center. The now three doctor practice provides medical, surgical, reproductive, and preventative care services for Branch County and the surrounding area. Dr. Bronson lives with her husband, two children, and a variety of pets. In her spare time, she enjoys going to horse and cattle shows with her family, attending various sporting events, and working around the family farm. (22)
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