A bruised sole in horses is a condition where the horse's sole (the bottom part of the hoof) becomes tender and painful due to trauma or injury, often resulting in inflammation and discomfort.

Bruised Sole in Horses

Alt. Names: Sole bruise, Stone bruise, Foot bruise

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Definition of a Bruised Sole in Horses

Bruised soles are one of the most common causes of lameness in both shod and unshod horses. Injury to the sole may cause damage to the sensitive structures underneath and this results in ‘bruising’. The result is often damage to the many tiny blood vessels underneath the sole and consequent haemorrhage (bleeding).
This may either resolve quickly and cause no further problems or may result in the formation of a haematoma (‘blood blister’) between the sensitive tissues and the non-expandable sole. The pressure caused by this ‘blister’ on the sensitive tissues causes pain and lameness. Even if a haematoma does not develop, there may be sufficient damage to the laminae of the sole to result in pain and lameness.

Symptoms a Bruised Sole in Horses

  • Lameness
  • Abnormal Change in Gait
  • Short stepped
  • Sensitive
  • Hot
  • Abnormal wear
  • Discoloration
  • Bruising
  • Reluctance to put weight on one leg

Treatment of a Bruised Solein Horses

Your veterinary surgeon or farrier will first remove the horse’s shoe and then pare the sole over the bruise to relieve weight-bearing pressure, although excessive paring should be avoided in thin-soled horses or the pain may be worsened.
A poultice and protective bandage is applied to the foot. The poultice is removed after 24 hours and the protective bandage is replaced for a further 48 hours. The foot is then trimmed and re-shod when the foot is no longer painful.
Anti-inflammatory analgesic medication may be given in the early stage to ease the pain. The horse should be rested until fully recovered.

Prevention of a Bruised Sole in Horses

All horse’s feet should be regularly trimmed and shod by a qualified farrier and should always be picked to remove collected stones and debris and thoroughly cleaned out before exercise. Exercise on uneven and stony ground should be avoided, particularly for thin soled horses. Protective hoof pads are sometimes used for thin soled horses.

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