Horse Foot Problems

Although only the size of tea saucers, horse hooves must support over 1,000 pounds of weight. This means that horse foot problems are among the most common equine ailments. If you suspect your horse is suffering from a foot problem, learn how to get an idea of what the condition might be.

  1. Thrush

    • Anaerobic bacteria cause thrush, a condition that thrives in wet conditions lacking oxygen. Symptoms of thrush include black puss and a bad smell in the frog, the soft triangle on the underside of the hoof. Prevent thrush by properly cleaning your horse's stall and hooves. Treat thrush by having your farrier clean the hoof and suggest a topical ointment.

    Navicular

    • Navicular is caused by deterioration of a tiny bone called the navicular bone inside the hoof. A horse with navicular will appear lame, not want to put weight on his front feet, and will often move with short, choppy strides. Treatment usually involves special shoeing and/or medication to improve blood flow. However, it cannot reverse the condition.

    Quarter Cracks

    • Quarter cracks are cracks in the hoof wall that may begin at the bottom or top of the hoof. Prevent these cracks by keeping your horse's hooves properly trimmed and conditioned. Severe quarter cracks can lead to bleeding, lameness and infection.

    Club Foot

    • Clubbed feet can range from mild to severe. If your horse has a hoof that stands up too straight, she has a club foot. Treatment usually involves having your farrier lower the horse's heels to encourage growth of the toe, or surgery in extreme situations.

    Abscesses

    • If your horse becomes suddenly and severely lame and you notice a dark spot on the underside of her hoof, she might have an abscess. You must get a vet to drain the abscess. The vet might also administer antibiotics and instruct you to soak the hoof with epsom salts or another solution to help draw out the infection.

    Laminitis/Founder

    • Laminitis is an inflammation of the tissue between the hoof walls and the coffin bone inside the hoof. If you and your vet do not catch laminitis early and treat it with anti-inflammatory medications, it can lead to permanent and highly painful lameness.