Nail Prick in horses occurs when a nail accidentally penetrates the hoof's sensitive structures, often causing pain and infection.

Nail Prick

Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment.

Nail prick is the term used when the nail of the shoe is accidentally driven into the sensitive laminae of the foot.

Symptoms

  • Lameness
  • Infection
  • Abscess
  • Swelling
  • Hot hooves
  • Response to hoof tester
  • Wound
  • Increased Digital Pulse

Treatment

If you suspect your horse is suffering from nail prick, call your farrier or vet immediately. The shoe and nails should be removed by a professional as soon as possible. Horses suffering from nail bind should show some degree of improvement once the shoe is removed although the presence of bruising and/or infection will cause lameness to ensue.

The foot may need paring to establish drainage if infection is present. The sole should be cleaned and a warm/wet poultice applied to encourage darainage of infective material and contaminants from the nail hole. A dry poultice should be applied once all infection has been eliminated to harden the foot and your horse should be sound before being re-shod. Treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to control pain and inflammation.

Prevention

Regular attention from a competent farrier will ensure that your horse’s feet are in optimal condition. Specific supplements are also available which can aid in hoof health.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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