White Line Disease
White line disease also known as , is when there is separation of the hoof wall from the sole at the white line. It may involve any part of the hoof wall from heel to toe and may travel vertically up the hoof wall as well. The cause of white line disease is trauma causing separation or infection that leads to separation. Any type of dirt/debris that packs into a crevice or nail hole can result in splaying of the hoof wall from the sole. If bacteria are the cause, it enters and can cause an abscess which creates a tract inside the hoof wall. There are many factors that can lead to white line disease. These include; hoof , flat feet, irregular or improper shoeing/trimming, excessive wet/dry conditions, laminitis, hoof wall abscess and direct trauma to the hoof wall. Signs and symptoms include lameness, a recess within the white line, purulent material and development of gravel. Diagnosis is signs & symptoms. Treatment includes the separated hoof wall, opening up drainage tracts, NSAIDs, topical AB/AF, copper sulfate, correcting shoeing for support of resectioned foot.
Sidebone
Sidebone describes the
of the lateral hoof cartilages of the third phalanx.
Excessive/chronic concussion on hard surfaces causes sidebone. Faulty conformation such as , upright feet, unbalanced shoeing and working on hard surfaces predispose to sidebone. Carriage or road horses who travel the streets are more at risk. Sidebone most commonly occurs in the fore feet. Signs and symptoms include inflammation in the acute stage over the quarters of the hoof with possible lameness. In chronic cases, lameness usually dissipates but the foot may show a slight bulging appearance due to the calcification process.
Diagnosis is signs & symptoms, palpation and x-rays.
Treatment is NSAIDs, rest and remove shoes to allow the foot to naturally expand.
Prognosis is good.
Sole Bruises
Excessive pressure on the sole can cause damage to blood vessels and lead to bruising. A may form beneath the sole in severe cases.
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