Hoof wall defects: chronic hoof wall separations and hoof wall cracks

Hoof wall injuries and defects in the form of separations, loss, and cracks are frequent occurrences and are often a reflection of environmental conditions, inherent structural problems, and specific athletic endeavors. The range of structural damage varies from being insignificant to being unable to bear weight on a given limb. There is little retrievable published evidence of the actual incidence of such problems, but it is this author's impression that the incidence has increased over the past few decades. It is the author's hypothesis that this increase in hoof wall failure is the result of probable genetic factors (eg, thin soles, low heels, long toes) (Fig. 1) and environmental risk factors (trimming and shoeing practices, stable management, weather and ground conditions, and reduced access to exercise), which, when combined with other factors, lead to weakened hoof wall material [1-7]. The role nutrition plays in the overall picture of the hoof wall is unclear. The likelihood of eventual and chronic hoof wall failure is high if a given foot or feet remain in a weakened state. The dilemma facing horse owners, farriers, and equine practitioners is how best to manage a problem or problems in the absence of being unable to alter genetic or environmental factors. In many instances, the solution consists of a temporary artificial repair rather than a long-term solution, although in other cases, success is attained with the use of carefully considered foot care and shoeing principles. Successful management is dependent not only on defining the damage but on identifying the cause or causes. It is also apparent that hoof wall problems require farrier expertise; thus, the development and subsequent maintenance of a solid working relationship with a farrier or farriers is essential. This article describes and discusses hoof wall separations, hoof wall loss, and hoof wall cracks. This group of problems is ubiquitous with regard to breed, athletic pursuit, and work load; they are universally and historically encountered in the horse world. A great deal of descriptive literature is available in both farriery and veterinary publications; however, there is little information regarding analytic and comparative studies with regard to treatment and management. It therefore important to recognize the following as being based on personal prejudice and experience.