Page 239 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 6.31 Sheared heels: the heel bulb on the left is higher than the heel bulb on the right and it has a straighter and more
upright hoof wall
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made on the appearance of the foot; the medial heel bulb is often displaced
upwards. Instability between the two heels can be observed if the heels move apart when they
are grasped and twisted in opposite directions. This manipulation is often painful. The heels
of a normal foot cannot be moved independently of one another.
When the horse is observed at walk, the higher heel often contacts the ground first and is
displaced upwards as the foot bears weight.
