Horse Hoof Is Bruised From a Stone

A horse suffering from a bruised hoof will exhibit a purplish or dark gray discoloration on the sole of the foot. The visible bruise may be fresh or the result of an injury that occurred several months ago. The horse often shows signs of mild lameness when the injury first occurs with no discernible bruising.

  1. Cause

    • Walking across a hard, rocky surface often causes a sole bruise. Horses that are prone to kicking fences can also sustain a bruise. Shoes that are too small or that have worked their way loose may also cause bruising.

    Considerations

    • Genetics appear to play a role in hoof bruising. Thoroughbreds and warm bloods exhibit flat soles and thin walls on their feet, which makes them more susceptible to bruising, according to Pet Place. Horses that are commonly ridden on soft soil often sustain bruising when ridden on hard, compact soil.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Placing shoes with pads, wider than normal shoes or bar shoes on a horse often helps prevent sole bruising. Have the horse's hooves regularly trimmed and cared for by a farrier to help minimize the possibility of injury. Supplementing the horse's diet with biotin and zinc often helps produce hoof hardness.

    Care

    • Monitor a bruise closely and avoid riding the horse. A severely bruised hoof may form an abscess. Seek veterinarian treatment if you suspect the condition has worsened or is not clearing up. A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, painkillers and antiseptics to treat the hoof.