The Hoof Flashcards
What encloses the interior structures of the hoof?
the hoof capsule
Epidermal laminae
is on the inside of the hoof capsule
-connects with the dermal laminae
-keeps the hoof capsule attached to the
Dermal laminae
is on the surface of the coffin bone
-connects with the epidermal laminae
-keeps the coffin bone anchored in place
Laminar interface
where the epidermal and dermal laminae connect
Long pastern
P1
Short pastern
P2
Coffin bone
P3
The hoof is an important…
shock absorber
What makes the hoof a good shock absorber?
-ability to expand and contract
-ability to distribute forces equally
Medial-lateral hoof balance
When viewed from the front, the coronary band is parallel to the ground, and the walls are symmetrical
Static hoof balance
the balance of the hoof when it is sitting on the ground still (not moving)
Dorsal-palmer hoof balance
the relationship between the angle of the dorsal wall of the hoof and the angle of the heel along with the alignment/angle of the pastern
Palmer
front
Plantar
back
4 things you should look for to determine whether a hoof has been prepared properly prior to shoeing
1.) hoof wall is level at the bottom
2.) the hoof is shaped: Duckett’s Dot to the toe should equal the distance of the dot to the medial wall
3.) Sole of the hoof should be concave, and should not be too thick or thin
4.) the length of the toe should be appropriate for the horse and pertain to the thickness of the sole
4 things to look for to determine whether the shoe has been properly fitted and applied to the hoof
1.) about 1/6-1/8 in of the edge of the shoe should be visible from the quarters to the heels when looking from above
2.) the heel of the shoe should be below the midline of the cannon bone when its vertical (extend past the heel for support)
3.) the heads of the nails should be tightly placed in the crease of the shoe
4.) clinches should be square and smooth to touch. They should be flush against the hoof wall
Advantages of steel horse shoes
they can be shaped while cold (except large sizes) and they are durable
Advantages of aluminum shoes
they are lighter weight and can be used to make wider or thicker shoes without any weight increase
Advantages of titanium shoes
they are corrosion resistant, strong, and light. A combination of steel and aluminum advantages but not well tested
Advantages of plastic shoes
not great to nail on but helpful in therapeutic situations when glued on. They can be used when a wall is too damaged or weak to hold nails in, or on foals
Advantages of plastic/rubber shoes with a steel/aluminum core
can be shaped and give more support than just plastic. They are good for their ability to absorb shock well
Characteristics of the hoof that act as a shock abosorber:
-digital cushion
-heel
-concave sole
-frog
-laminar interface
-collateral cartilages
-navicular bursa
-circulatory system (vasculature)
Front hoof vs. hind hoof
Front hoof: rounder and a larger surface area
Hind hoof: oval shape and a somewhat pointed toe. More concave than the front hoof
How much does the hoof grow per month?
about 1/4 in.
“Normal” toe angle in the hind
50-55 degrees
“Normal” toe angle in the front
45-50 degrees
Is the front or back hoof at a higher angle normally?
the hind foot
Laminitis
inflammation of the laminar interface
-painful
-front hooves are more commonly affected
-multiple causes
What can occur due to laminitis?
rotation of the coffin bone: inflammation of the lamina can decrease the strength of the lamina and the pull of the deep digital flexor tendon can rotate the coffin bone
-the coffin can also sink down inside the hoof capsule causing a flat or convex sole
Navicular syndrome
inflammation of the navicular apparatus
-navicular bone or associated structures
-usually front limbs
-aka “caudal heel pain”
What movement will horses do with navicular?
-shortened, toe-first motion
-they try not to walk on their heels (to protect them)
Navicular apparatus:
-navicular bone
-navicular bursa
-deep digital flexor
-tendon
-navicular ligaments
Digital cushion
fibro-elastic structure that helps protect the navicular apparatus
Other disorders of the hoof:
-contracted heel
-bruises
-abscess
-thrush
-white line disease
Thrush
microbial infection of frog, sulci
White line disease
infection and separation at white line
-aka “seedy toe”
