Equine Hoof

Question 1

Function of the hoof wall:

Answer 1

1. houses and protects the sensitive inner foot
2. supports weight
3. resists wear
4. absorbs shock
5. conducts moisture

Question 2

What are the 3 layers of the exterior hoof wall?

Answer 2

1. periople
2. coronet
3. stratum tectorium

Question 3

Periople

Answer 3

extends 3/4 of an inch below the coronet, except the heals, where it caps the bulbs of the heels

Question 4

Coronet

Answer 4

encircles the upper area of the hoof and is the point of demarcation between the skin and the beginning of the hoof wall

Question 5

Stratum tectorium

Answer 5

like the human fingernail, extends down the bottom of the foot. Thin layer composed of cemented keratinized epithelial cells, provides the hard, glossy surface below periople. Keeps the hoof wall from drying out & should be 25% water.

Question 6

What is the coronary band?

Answer 6

primary growth & nutritional source for the hoof wall that is directly beneath the coronet.

Question 7

Function of the coronary band:

Answer 7

has a massive supply of blood vessels that feed the hoof. blood vessels also combine with nerves that form a sensitive layer attached to the inside of the hoof wall & coffin bone.

Question 8

What happens if the coronary band is injured?

Answer 8

can have a negative effect on hoof growth & development, if serious it can lead to disfigurement of the hoof and may even disrupt proper hoof growth to the point horse becomes unusable.

Question 9

What is the laminae layer?

Answer 9

layer that attaches the coffin bone to the inside of the hoof wall and bears most of the horses weight.

Question 10

What is the white line?

Answer 10

a narrow structure that divides the hoof wall from the sole. If it widens or turns red this can indicate stress.

Question 11

What is the frog?

Answer 11

made of about 50% water and is quite soft.

Question 12

Function of the frog:

Answer 12

serves as a shock absorber: helps absorb concussive force from the ground & acts as a stop that redirects concussive force coming down from the bones above through the lateral cartilages & the hoof.

Question 13

Hoof injuries:

Answer 13

can split or break open. Is not malleable, when injury/disease occurs & causes blood vessels to expand or tissues to swell, there’s no room to accommodate.

Question 14

Causes of hoof abscess:

Answer 14

• can occur after a bruise or after penetrating wound
• bacteria trapped beneath the hoof wall or sole & grow
• bacteria creating pus that builds up & creates pressure (painful until pus is drained & pressure releases)

Question 15

What is laminitis?

Answer 15

a frequent cause of lameness in horses, particularly ponies. Inflammation of the equine laminae.

Question 16

Acute laminitis:

Answer 16

causes a breakdown in the attachments between the lamellae. can cause lamellae to become unzipped & coffin bone may become detached from the hoof & rotate down.

Question 17

Solar penetration laminitis:

Answer 17

separation of the lamellae occurs mostly at the dorsal-distal aspect of the hoof. coffin bone may cause deformity of the sole & may penetrate it.

Question 18

Laminitis in older horses:

Answer 18

older ponies with reoccuring laminitis often have cushing’s disease or metabolic syndrome. treatment of underlying disease is essential to gain control over the reoccurrence of the condition.

Question 19

Causes of laminitis:

Answer 19

• most common cause: obese ponies over-grazing on rich grass, particularly in spring
• equine Cushing’s disease
• over-consumption of grain
• bruising
• colic
• force overload

Question 20

Treatment for laminitis:

Answer 20

• common treatment: stall rest
• NSAID’s for anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects
• frog supports (formed from styrofoam or rubber or custom made with by taping a bandage to the frog)
• providing pressure to prevent further rotation of the pedal bone
• vets & farriers working together
• correct shoeing