Page 228 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 6.25 Quarter crack and hoof wall deformity due to an injury
Horizontal cracks extend horizontally round the hoof wall. They are caused by an injury to
the coronary band or a blow to the hoof wall. They may develop after a foot abscess bursts
out through the coronary band.
Superficial cracks only involve the outer hoof wall and do not reach the laminae.
Deep cracks involve the full thickness of the hoof wall. These often result in lameness due to
infection or pinching of the underlying sensitive tissues.
Causes
These include:
• hoof imbalance causing uneven stresses in the hoof wall as the horse moves
• poor hoof conformation, e.g. long toe, low heel or underrun heels
