Page 222 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Causes

• Genetic predisposition. Some horses suffer with weak hoof walls throughout their lives.
VetBooks.ir • Poor nutrition. The diet should provide an adequate supply of important nutrients such as

biotin and methionine and the correct calcium/phosphorus balance.

• Unhealthy environment. Standing for long periods in soiled, wet bedding weakens the
hooves and encourages infection.

• Very dry conditions. Under these conditions the hoof wall loses moisture and becomes
less flexible so cracks develop.

• Very wet conditions. If a horse is kept in a very wet environment, the hooves become

very soft and tend to spread out and flatten. Soft soles are susceptible to bruising.
• Inadequate hoof care. Regular trimming is necessary to maintain hoof balance and shape.

Long or unbalanced feet are likely to develop hoof wall cracks.

• Persistent bacterial and fungal infection of the horn. Once established, these
microorganisms continually weaken the horn especially where there are cracks, and hoof

wall and white line lesions.
• Lack of exercise. Exercise influences the blood supply to the sensitive laminae. Moisture

diffuses from the blood and lymph vessels in the sensitive laminae outwards to the
insensitive laminae and the hoof wall. The circulation may be reduced without sufficient

exercise.

Treatment and Prevention

FEED A BALANCED DIET

If in any doubt about your horse’s diet, consult your vet or a nutritionist. Problems often arise

with horses and ponies that are ‘good doers’ and look well on poor pasture and little else.
These animals benefit from a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement. There are many

commercially produced supplements available, a number of which specifically address the
nutritional needs of horses with poor quality hoof horn. These supplements contain the
nutrients required for healthy hooves.

Alfalfa is a good source of available dietary calcium. Bran should be avoided as it is high

in phosphorus and reduces the availability of dietary calcium to the horse.

HAVE THE FEET REGULARLY TRIMMED AND SHOD

The importance of regular trimming has already been discussed. Shoes that are allowed to

become loose are at risk of being pulled off, causing further damage to the hoof wall. If the