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Paula J. Kilgore
Member
Username: Levichey
Post Number: 6
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 17, 2002 - 8:31 pm: |   |
I am confused about a crack at the very extreme back of my horse's heel. About 2 weeks ago on my geldings left front hoof just below the coronary band of the outside heel bulb, a horizontal split appeared with no sign of bleeding or drainage. I first noticed it after a ride. My first thought was that he had some how hit himself except it had not bled. I keep him stalled and always check his feet after turnouts and riding so I would have noticed if it had ever bled. Then I thought maybe a gravel had come out, but he had never showed any signs of lameness. Yesterday when I rode and today when he was turned out, I noticed some signs of blood in the crack, but it wasn't really bleeding. Now there is also a vertical crack running down from the horizontal crack to the vee between the back of the frog and the hoof heel and about 1/2 inch horizontally on the inside of the hoof wall at the heel. Any ideas as to what is going on? I plan on calling a vet tomorrow to get it checked, but just wanted to get some of your opinions. Thanks and hope I didn't sound like I was rambling. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 6934
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 18, 2002 - 6:47 am: | |
You are right this is not a gravel. It seems clear that either the horse is striking himself here or trauma has induced a weak spot that now further exercise has worsened. Examination may reveal which is happening and the best course of action.
DrO |
Paula J. Kilgore
Member
Username: Levichey
Post Number: 7
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 18, 2002 - 8:15 pm: | |
Just thought I would update you on what the vet said today about the crack. He carved it out a little to get a little better look and decided that it was probably that an abcess had busted out where the soft tissue at the very back of the hoof and the harder horn meet. The crack running inside the hoof wall is very superficial and actually doesn't even penetrate into the wall. It was actually less than 1/16 inch deep. Still not sure why he never showed any lameness, but I guess that was a good thing. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 6946
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, Sep 19, 2002 - 5:55 am: | |
The lack of lameness is diagnostic for me, even tiny abscesses hurt like the dickens. Since exercise seems to be worsening the crack what has he recommended for treatment?
DrO |
Paula J. Kilgore
Member
Username: Levichey
Post Number: 8
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 25, 2002 - 2:41 pm: | |
Sorry for the delay responding. He recommended putting ichthammol on it to help pull any infection out and toughen the hoof. I have lightly exercised him a couple of times since then and there doesn't appear to be anything draining out anymore. The crack hasn't seemed to lengthen any yet either. I have also changed his shoes, replacing his healed shoes with flat shoes to help take that extra pressure off of the heal. He still has showed no signs of lameness. |
