Common hoof problems in horses

Horses hoofs are prone to many problems.  Some of these problems are minor and some are serious.  There are many things that can cause hoof problems.  Many of them can be prevented. 

The hoof has a hard outer shell and a soft inner part.  A horse’s foot should be cleaned often to keep it healthy.  A horse’s hoof should be trimmed on a regular basis.  If your horse wears shoes they must be changed and a horse’s foot grows and if the shoes do not fit properly it will cause problems.

Thrush

Thrush is a common problem with horses that do not have their feet cleaned on a regular basis.  Debris builds up in the soft part of the hoof called the frog.  Thrush is a bacterial infection of the frog.  It is caused when the horse is kept in wet dirty conditions.  The horse’s foot will have a terrible foul smell.  The thrush needs to be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage to the foot.

Hoof abscesses

Hoof abscesses are another common hoof problem.  This is an infection of the soft part of the hoof.  It is usually caused by a puncture wound, bruise or corn.  Sometimes the abscess will open and drain.  This condition needs immediate treatment.

Corns

Corns occur when the sole of the hoof becomes bruised by constant pressure to the horse’s foot.  Corns on horses are usually caused by improper shoeing.  It is like you wearing shoes that do not fit properly and you develop a corn.  Improper hoof trimming can cause corns.  When a corn is present the sole of the foot is discolored and the horse will be lame.

Cracks

Cracks in the hoof will cause problems.  Cracks that start at the bottom are caused by improper shoeing and hoof trimming.  Very dry conditions will cause cracks.  If you ride your horse on a hard surface it will cause cracks.

Laminitis

Another common hoof problem is Laminitis.  Laminitis is commonly called founder by many people.  Some people consider this incorrect as they believe they are two separate problems.  Some people believe laminitis can develop into founder if it is not treated.  Laminitis is an infection of the tissue that connects the coffin bone to the hoof wall.  Laminitis is a crippling disease that causes damage to the hoof.  When the layers of the hoof wall separate it causes a great deal of pain.

Founder

 Founder is an inflammation of the horse’s foot.  Some people believe founder will occur when the laminae die.  It is very painful.  Founder usually occurs in the horse’s front feet.  In extreme cases it can affect the back feet.  Founder is usually caused by overeating.  Foot injuries, colic and some steroid medication can also cause founder.  Horses that are foundered do not like to move forward.  They have a problem walking and want to lie down most of the time.

Sole bruises

Sole bruises are another hoof problem.  Sole bruises appear as red spots on the sole and frog of the horse’s foot.  Sole bruises are caused by many things.  Hooves that are trimmed to short are easily bruised.

Many common causes of hoof problems can be prevented.  Just use common sense and you will not have any problems with your horse’s hooves.

Article sources:

http://www.nativemedies.com

http://www.extension.org

http://www.acreageequines.com/HorseCare/horsecare5a.htm

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/info/founder.html