Page 302 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 6.61 X-ray showing severe degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the coffin joint
KERATOMA
A keratoma is a benign tumour of the horn-producing cells of the foot. Abnormal amounts of
horny tissue are produced on the inner surface of the hoof wall. Keratomas tend to develop at
the front of the foot, between the toe and the quarters.
Causes
Keratomas usually begin at the coronary band. They are thought to form in response to direct
trauma or chronic irritation from foot abscesses affecting the white line.
Clinical signs
These include the following.
• Variable degrees of lameness; this is caused by the expanding mass of horny tissue
pressing on the sensitive tissues of the foot. The lameness comes on slowly and is
intermittent to start with, gradually becoming more persistent and severe.
