Hoof Disease in Horses

Welcome to your comprehensive resource on hoof diseases in horses!

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to horse care, understanding the symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies for hoof diseases is crucial for your horse’s health and well-being.
 
Hoof diseases can manifest in various ways, including lameness, swelling, and changes in hoof shape or texture. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your horse’s recovery. Our articles cover a wide range of hoof conditions, from common issues like Thrush, Bruised Soles and Abscesses to more complex conditions such as Laminitis, Contracted Heels, Canker, Pedal Bone Cysts and White Line Disease.
 
Each article dives into the causes behind these ailments, evidence-based treatments, and practical tips for prevention. Whether you’re looking for advice on daily hoof care routines or seeking guidance on when to consult a veterinarian, we’ve got you covered.
Stay informed and empowered to give your horse the best possible care. Explore our collection of articles below and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to keep your horse’s hooves healthy and strong.
 

Think your horse has a hoof disease?  –  Check out the Happie Horse Symptom Checker.


Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to horse care, understanding the symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies for hoof diseases is crucial for your horse’s health and well-being.
 
Hoof diseases can manifest in various ways, including lameness, swelling, and changes in hoof shape or texture. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your horse’s recovery. Our articles cover a wide range of hoof conditions, from common issues like Thrush, Bruised Soles and Abscesses to more complex conditions such as Laminitis, Contracted Heels, Canker, Pedal Bone Cysts and White Line Disease.

Our Articles on Hoof Diseases

Learn all about Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Sheared Heels in horses is a hoof condition where uneven heel height causes pain and lameness due to uneven weight distribution.
Hoof Diseases

Sheared Heels

Sheared Heels Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. Sheared heels can be defined as a hoof capsule distortion resulting from displacement of one heel bulb proximally relative to the adjacent heel bulb. When looking at an affected horse’s hooves

Laminitis in horses is a painful inflammatory condition of the hoof tissues, often leading to lameness and severe complications.
Hoof Diseases

Laminitis in Horses

Laminitis in Horses This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Laminitis is an inflammation of the laminae, the connection of tissue between the hoof wall and the surface of the coffin bone (pedal bone). It

Pedal osteitis in horses is an inflammatory condition of the pedal bone causing demineralization and lameness.
Hoof Diseases

Pedal Osteitis in Horses

Pedal Osteitis in Horses Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. Sometimes referred to as inflamed pedal bone, pedal osteitis can either be non-septic or septic. Non-septic pedal osteitis is generally associated with chronic sole bruising. Pedal osteitis is a

A pedal bone cyst is a fluid-filled cavity within the pedal bone of the hoof that can cause lameness.
Hoof Diseases

Pedal Bone Cyst in Horses

Pedal bone cyst in Horses Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. The cysts are commonly first diagnosed in young horses (1 to 3 years old) but may also be diagnosed in older horses. It is unknown whether this uncommon

A pedal bone fracture is a break in the bone within the hoof, often causing severe lameness and requiring prompt veterinary attention.
Bone / Joint Disease

Pedal Bone Fracture in Horses

Pedal bone fracture in Horses Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. Fracture of the distal phalanx is a fairly common injury that occurs most commonly at high speed or less commonly from kicking a firm object. The fracture is

Navicular bone fracture involves a break in the small, boat-shaped bone in the hoof, leading to significant lameness and needs treatment.
Bone / Joint Disease

Navicular Bone Fracture in Horses

Navicular bone fracture in Horses Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. Navicular bone fractures can be classified into one of four types.These are simple sagittal fractures, comminuted fractures, avulsion fracture of the navicular collateral sesamoidean ligament, and avulsion fractures

Hoof cracks (sand/grass/horizontal cracks) result from trauma, the enviroment, poor hoof care, injuries, or nutritional deficiencies.
Hoof Diseases

Hoof Cracks in Horses

Hoof Cracks: Sandcracks, grasscracks and horizontal cracks Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. These cracks originate from the coronary band and extend downward. Horses hoofs are composed of keratin, the same material that makes up human fingernails and toenails.

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

Nail Prick

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

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

Heel Bulb Laceration

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

Each article dives into the causes behind these ailments, evidence-based treatments, and practical tips for prevention. Whether you’re looking for advice on daily hoof care routines or seeking guidance on when to consult a veterinarian, we’ve got you covered.
 
Stay informed and empowered to give your horse the best possible care. Explore our collection of articles above and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to keep your horse’s hooves healthy and strong.
 
Think your horse has a hoof disease? Check out the Happie Horse Symptom Checker.