Common Hoof Problems Signs Symptoms amp Treatment

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More Info At https://equinechallengesupplements.com • Winter is here and with it comes a few good things and sometimes a few things which are not so good. In this months Newsletter we are going to address some common hoof problems. • With the wet months upon us, the likelihood of horse hoof problems is greater. Here are some common problems and what to look out for... • Abscess Symptoms: • Abscesses in the hoof are typically characterized by sudden-onset, severe lameness. In some cases, the horse may refuse to put any weight at all on the affected hoof. The horse will be sensitive in the area of the abscess and may have an increased digital pulse and swelling in the lower leg. If left untreated the abscess may erupt on its own through the sole of the hoof or at the coronary band. • Bruises Symptoms: • A horse with a bruised hoof can show varying degrees of lameness. Some will be off only on uneven or rocky surfaces while others may be consistently lame. A sole bruise may show up as a visible mark, but a horse will usually show lameness or sensitivity before the bruise actually appears. • Laminitis Symptoms: • The coffin bone of the interior of a horse's hoof is attached to the inner hoof wall with Velcro-like structures called laminae. When the sensitive inner laminae become inflamed, the horse is suffering from laminitis. If the inflammation is left untreated, the sensitive laminae are weakened, leading to potential separation of the coffin bone and the hoof wall, which can lead to rotation of the coffin bone known as founder. • Laminitis causes varying degrees of pain. It can affect one, two or even all four hooves. A laminitic horse may shift his weight back and forth or stand with both front feet stretched out (often referred to as the sawhorse stance) in an attempt to take weight off of his hooves. The affected hooves will be notably warm or hot and the digital pulse will usually be elevated. If made to walk, the horse may move in a hesitant manner. • Thrush Symptoms: • Thrush is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the grooves of the Frog. The infection causes a gooey black discharge with a distinctive foul odor. • In most cases, thrush will not cause significant pain, but if left untreated it can cause sensitivity in the frog and heel and ultimately lead to lameness. • White Line Disease (Seedy Toe) Symptoms: • White line disease is characterized by a separation of the inner hoof wall which may be visible as a hole or crack on the sole at the toe. Bacteria and fungi invade the space between hoof wall layers. As the infection eats away at the hoof tissue, the hoof may appear white and crumbly when scraped with a hoof pick. Hooves that are unusually dry and brittle may be a sign of white line disease. Lameness may or may not occur, depending on severity.

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