A while ago, like 2 years ago, I made this write up on some afflictions of the hoof. This is by no means a guide to curing your horse solo, always inform your vet of anything that could impact your horses well being. With that said this is a sort of study tool meant to inform you of any symptoms you might come across during horse ownership or just throughout your riding career in general. I will be adding to this over time, so check back!!

Thrush: is a common infection of the frog of the hoof and usually appears in the sulci (grooves) on either side of the frog and center section. Thrush causes black discharge around the frog and an unpleasant odor. There are products to treat thrush, but you should contact your vet and farrier to prevent it in the future.

Quarter Cracks: A vertical split that occurs in the side (quarter) of the hoof, usually occurring between the widest part of the hoof and the heel.Lameness depends on the severity of the crack. Treatment depends on the severity as well, minor cracks can be fixed with lots of maintenance and attention to balance, serious cracks may require stabilization. Always contact your vet and farrier for treatment based off your horses injury.

Hoof Bruise: like any bruise is a hemorrhage within tissues usually caused by blunt force trauma, often visible as discolored patches on the sole or hoof wall. Bruises have many causes from acute trauma to concussive exercise to improper shoeing/trimming. A horse with a hoof bruise may be sensitive or even lame. Like most bruises the only treatment is rest, depending on the severity or just to calm your fears have your vet check it out. Additional cushioning and protection through the use of shoes, pads and wraps can help alleviate any discomfort. 

Hoof Abscess: is an infection inside the hoof. Horses suffering from an abscess will often be suddenly and severely lame, and it may ‘come and go’ in some horses. This usually requires soaking/ wrapping the hoof to keep the exit spot soft for the abscess to “blow out” from. Involve your vet and farrier immediately. Some vets prefer to drain the abscess through the sole, but every situation is unique. Plus if its your first experience with a draining abscess it might be shocking/ concerning to you.

White Line Disease: is an infection of the white line (the junction of the hoof wall and sole) causing a progressive separation of the layers of the hoof wall, which can lead to structural soundness and lameness. This is something that absolutely needs a second set of eyes on seeing that it needs a pretty strict treatment plan to prevent and help contain it. Treatment depends on severity, talk to your vet about a plan.

Laminitis & Founder: is an inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof. Symptoms include lameness, reluctance to bear weight on the affected feet, warm hooves with a strong pulse etc. After proper diagnosis some cases can be managed at home with ice bags/soaking and constant monitoring. This is however an absolute emergency and you shouldn’t try to treat it alone right off the bat. There are references available in Horse Vet Corner if your vet is unavailable at the moment it presents itself. Acute laminitis is a medical emergency, dealing with laminitis is complex and requires a close working relationship with your farrier and vet. 

Navicular Syndrome: is a broad term for caudal/ heel pain in the hoof. Horses will often exhibit lameness, especially under certain conditions like working in tight, small circles or working on hard surfaces. Due to the broadness of the condition treatment varies, contact your vet and farrier to start treatment.

This is a gist of hoof issues, please please call your veterinarian before diagnosing and treating foot issues.