Page 242 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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• Increasing the level of exercise is beneficial.
• If the exercise cannot be increased, a dry, brittle foot may be soaked in wet bandages to
VetBooks.ir increase its water content and encourage expansion. Topical preparations are available to
seal the hoof and reduce evaporation of moisture.
• In some cases leaving the horse without shoes for a period of time is needed.
Figure 6.33 This foot has been shod wide and long to support the foot and allow the contracted heels to expand
BRUISED SOLES AND CORNS
Bruised soles are a common problem in horses with thin soles and flat feet. A bruise occurs
when blood vessels underneath the sole are damaged. When the bruise occurs in the angle
formed between the wall at the heels and the bars, it is known as a corn. Corns usually occur
on the inner heel of the front feet (Figure 6.34).
