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

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 from the rear, you will be able to see that the coronary band is not level; the line over the affected heel is higher than the normal heel.

Sheared heels are most likely caused by abnormal forces being placed on one side of the foot and are seen frequently in horses with abnormal limb or foot conformation on the affected foot or feet.

Symptoms

  • Lameness
  • Abnormal change in gait
  • Change in hoof angle
  • Abnormal wear
  • Swelling
  • Hot hooves
  • Coronary bands not straight
  • Narrowing of the foot
  • Deformed
  • Frog atrophy
  • Asymetrical heel height

Treatment

Corrective shoeing coupled with selective trimming of the hoof attempts to decrease the impact on the distorted heel by altering the strike pattern. Hoof trimming should improve the landing pattern of the hoof rather than trimming the hoof perpendicular to the long axis of the limb.

Prevention

Keep your horse’s feet trimmed short and never allow the toes or heels to grow too long. Your farrier will suggest a recommended shoeing cycle and it is best to keep your horse on that recommended cycle.

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