Heel Bulb Laceration in horses is a deep cut in the heel area, often requiring prompt veterinary care to prevent infection.

Heel Bulb Laceration

Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment.

Lacerations of traumatic origin that occur in the heel bulb region.
Heel-bulb lacerations are commonly encountered by equine practitioners. Routine bandaging usually fails to immobilize the damaged area, with wound dehiscence leading to chronic infection, the development of exuberant granulation tissue, and delayed closure.

Symptoms

  • Lameness
  • Bleeding
  • Sensitivity
  • Swelling
  • Hot hooves
  • Reluctance to put weight on one leg
  • Abnormal change in gait

Treatment

Every time the horse takes a step, the wound opens and closes, preventing effective healing. Because of this, the best method of treatment is often to suture the wound and place a cast over the foot to limit movement while the wound is healing.

Prevention

In order to prevent heel bulb injuries, work toward re-establishing proper hoof form, correct function, and good quality blood circulation. Movement, hydration, appropriate trimming, hoof protection and adequate nutrition. Some hoof boots provide appropriate padding for this delicate area.

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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