Page 128 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

94 Chapter 2

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Figure 2.45. Front feet of the horse in Figure 2.44 as viewed
from the side. The front feet have markedly different hoof angles.
The right foot has contracted heels resulting in a very upright
conformation compared to a low underrun heel with a long toe on
the left foot, resulting in a low hoof conformation. In addition, the
coronary band on the right has an abnormal contour suggesting
foot imbalance.

Figure 2.47. This horse presented for an acute onset hindlimb
lameness. A nail was found protruding from the apex of the frog.
Based on the location, entry into the navicular bursa would be
unlikely.

Figure 2.46. A front foot with severely overgrown heels that
have resulted in atrophy of the frog. The frog should be prominent
and approximately level with the widest part of the heels.
dryness (Figure 2.48). Dishing (concavity) of the dorsal
aspect of the hoof wall is often indicative of chronic
rotation of the distal phalanx, excessive toe length, or a Figure 2.48. Partial‐thickness dorsal hoof crack associated with
flexural deformity involving the deep digital flexor ten­ a long toe and a concavity of the dorsal hoof wall. Both factors most
don (DDFT) (Figure 2.49). likely contributed to the development of the crack in this horse.
A hoof tester is an instrument that permits deep palpa­
tion of the sole, frog, and wall of the hoof (Figure 2.50). The order of hoof tester application is less important
When applied properly, the examiner tries to identify and than being systematic and complete (Video 2.4). One
localize hoof sensitivity (Video 2.4). Most normal horses method is to begin at the lateral or medial angle of the
should be able to withstand a fair bit of hoof tester pressure sole and continue hoof tester pressure at 2‐ to 3‐cm inter­
without showing signs of discomfort. The arm of the hoof vals until the entire surface of the sole is checked. This is
tester that is applied to the hoof wall is continually checked followed by pressure applied to the frog (caudal, central,
so pressure is not being applied to the coronary band. and cranial) from both the medial and lateral heel. Lastly,