Page 1170 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

1136 Chapter 11

Before trim
point of break-over
VetBooks.ir (Stretched toe) Efficient point

of break-over
1/4 1/4
Tip of Plll
¾
¾
1 1
Widest part Widest part
of the foot of the foot

Before trim
caudal support
(End of heel)
Caudal support
(back of frog)

Foot with common hoof distortions Non-distorted foot
Figure 11.57. Drawings of two solar views. The solar view on foot, as well as the widest part of the foot (WPOTF) and caudal
the left is a foot with common hoof distortions. The solar view on the most aspect of support (either heels of the foot or back of the frog,
right is a non‐distorted foot. Lines are drawn on the pictures to depending on which structure contacts the ground first and
illustrate the point of break‐over and where it should be on each primarily).

Table 11.3. ELPO hoof evaluation grading protocol.

Grade Description/abnormalities
0 Considered to be a perfectly natural, normal foot, free of hoof distortions, that is expected to be functioning at its optimum efficiency.
Hoof structures with this grade would also be representative of a foot that either requires no maintenance or has just been trimmed and/or
shod and again is free of hoof distortions

1 Indicative of a natural normal foot that is at the end of a trimming/shoeing period and requires basic maintenance. Minor hoof distortions
seen are the result of normal growth and with basic maintenance will be returned to a grade 0 status. If a #1 status is achieved after
trimming/shoeing, then this grade would be representative of hoof structures that possesses only minor hoof distortions that would still
allow the foot to function efficiently

2 Indicative of hoof distortions that can start to affect proper foot function. Although these are commonly seen at the end of a shoeing
cycle, this rating is suggestive of distortions that generally were not fully dealt with at the beginning of the shoeing/trimming cycle. Feet
and structures in this condition can start to negatively affect performance, but may not be recognized as problems by everyone

3 Indicative of hoof distortions that can cause minor to moderate lameness issues. Foot function is often being compromised and common
gait faults such as stumbling, forging, and landing toe first are prevalent, and signs of DIP joint pathology may be recognized and even
diagnosed by veterinarians. These types of distortions challenge the soft tissues around the DIP joint
4 Indicative of moderate to severe hoof distortions that are often associated with serious lameness issues. These feet have been subject to
long‐term hoof distortion, and often, irreversible damage can occur. Foot function can be at least somewhat restored with shoes, pads, and
detailed hoof trimming
5 Indicative of the most severe hoof distortions that contribute to both soft tissue and bony damage. Horses are often severely lame or
debilitated as a result of the distortions. These types of distortions are sometimes irreversible, but can be improved with the use of various
prosthetics and more detailed hoof preparation

distortion evaluation by classifying or grading these equine feet. Although an overall rating for each foot may be
structures that most commonly distort the foot (Table 11.3 achieved, individual attention to primary hoof structures is
and Figure 11.58). The goal of the ELPO Hoof Evaluation the key. Through the systematic evaluation of the external
1
Protocol is to accurately and consistently, in accordance hoof anatomy, a more accurate and meaningful evaluation
with established standards, be able to determine the of the foot can be achieved, as well as a determination of
amount and/or location of hoof distortions in individual the overall health and soundness of the horse. 1