Page 229 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• limb conformation, e.g. if the horse has toe-out conformation, the medial hoof wall is

subjected to increased stress and may develop quarter cracks; toe-in conformation
VetBooks.ir • predisposes to lateral quarter cracks

irregular hoof trimming so the feet become overgrown and split (Figure 6.26)
• inappropriate shoeing, e.g. shoeing too short predisposes to quarter cracks

• injury to the coronary band or hoof wall as a result of trauma or infection

• poor hoof quality

• poor diet or inappropriate nutrition, e.g. excess selenium can produce hoof problems
• too much exercise on hard or rough ground

• very wet or very dry conditions; alternating wet and dry conditions

• hoof deformity.

Figure 6.26 A very neglected hoof

Clinical signs

Superficial cracks do not cause any problems. Horizontal cracks rarely result in lameness.
With full thickness cracks, the outer hoof wall becomes unstable and the sensitive tissues are

pinched and bruised between the edges of the crack. Infection may enter the sensitive tissues