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

A hoof abscess in horses is a localized accumulation of pus within the hoof capsule, often causing severe lameness and tenderness.
Hoof Diseases

Hoof Abcess in Horses

Hoof Abcess in Horses Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. A hoof abscess describes a painful build-up of purulent material (pus) within the hoof capsule. It will often be extremely uncomfortable for the horse, causing an obvious lameness at

Contracted heels in horses are a condition where the hooves' heels are abnormally narrow, causing pain and lameness.
Hoof Diseases

Contracted Heels in Horses

Contracted Heels in Horses Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. Contracted heels are characterized by a narrowing of the heel between the two bulbs, the soft fleshy area where the hoof wall, heel and coronary band come together. Symptoms

Canker in horses is a chronic infection of the hoof characterized by the overgrowth of abnormal tissue in the frog and sole, often with a foul odor.
Diseases

Canker in Horses

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Canker is a chronic infection of the hoof characterized by the overgrowth of abnormal tissue in the frog and sole, often with a foul odor.

Corns in horses' hooves are painful bruises or calluses that form between the sole and the wall of the hoof, often resulting from pressure or trauma, particularly on hard or uneven surfaces.
Hoof Diseases

Corns in Horses

Corns Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease. A corn is a bruise that forms between the sensitive and insensitive layers of the sole of the foot. The most common site affected is known as the ‘seat of corn’

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.
Diseases

Bruised Sole in Horses

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

A bruised sole in horses is a condition where the horse’s sole becomes tender and painful due to trauma or injury, often resulting in inflammation and discomfort.

Coronary sinus quittor in horses is a chronic infection of the collateral cartilages of the hoof, often resulting in abscesses and lameness.
Diseases

Quittor in Horses (Coronary Band Infection)

Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment.

Coronary sinus quittor in horses is a chronic infection of the collateral cartilages of the hoof, often resulting in abscesses and lameness.

White line disease in horses is a fungal or bacterial infection that affects the inner layer of the hoof, causing separation between the hoof wall and the underlying structures
Hoof Diseases

White Line Disease

White Line Disease Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. White Line Disease is caused by the invasion of fungi or bacteria which attacks the hoof-wall tissue, causing it to separate from the sole at the white line of the

Thrush in horses is a fungal infection affecting the hooves, characterized by a foul-smelling discharge, blackened tissue, and potential lameness.
Hoof Diseases

Thrush in Horses

Equine Thrush Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. Thrush is a common bacterial infection of a hoof’s frog. The responsible bacterium is home in damp environments, such as mud or wet bedding. Long exposure to this environment can cause

hoof keratoma tumor growths sick disease
Cancer / Tumors

Equine Keratoma (Hoof Tumor)

Equine Keratoma (Hoof Tumor) Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. A keratoma is a rare benign tumour of the inner layer of the hoof wall cells which forms inside a horse’s foot. As the tumour slowly grows, it expands

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.