Hoof bruise how long

Trimming the heels lower so they meet the widest part of the frog also can create more surface area and better engage the frog to assist in the distribution of force. Trimming the hoof to allow for even loading and create a larger landing area will lessen the intensity of the forces placed on the hoof when contacting the ground.

Figure 4 is the impression made by the coffin bone on the sensitive sole. This could be the result of a flat foot and thin sole, a hoof that is far too short, or even the result of a bout with laminitis. When a horse is showing bruises like this, performance is definitely compromised and possibly the overall well-being of that horse. If your broodmare is showing a bruise like this, I would consult a vet for X-rays just to make sure she is not in trouble.

If the laminae are compromised, rim pads alone are not recommended because they would only suspend the coffin bone, allowing the bottom of the hoof to sink further.

Expert intervention is required in these cases. While hoof bruising is common, it is not normal. Understanding the possible implication of these occurrences can lead to quicker recovery and future avoidance. Trotting Association. The American Farriers Journal Editorial Advisory Board member offers plenty of practical advice that will be of special interest regardless of the type of horses that you work with.

Subscribe Now. Web-Exclusive Feature. Photo by the author Figure 1: Bruising in the outer hoof wall. Photo by Scott Morrison Figure 2: Bruising in the white line at the toe. Photo by the author Figure 3: Bruising in the heel. More often than not once the bruising has settled or the haematoma been released, the horse will become sound. Also generally avoid working your horse on uneven, rocky and excessively hard ground especially if they are thin-soled…sorry TB owners in Gloucestershire.

You should always consult your vet if your horse becomes severely lame, some serious conditions can to the untrained eye look like a nasty case of bruising.

Foot abscesses a pocket of infection under the sole are another common cause of marked lameness in horses. Again, it is normally in one foot predominantly there are always exceptions though , and the horse will be painful on correct application of the hoof testers over the infected region.

Occasionally a bruise may subsequently become infected and develop into an abscess. If an abscess is present, ideally it should be pared out and drained before application of a poultice to draw out the infection. Antibiotics should be avoided; they tend to predispose a recurrent, deep-seated infection.

Your horse should be up to date with their vaccines; if they are not then even a tiny amount of dirt entering the bloodstream from a small defect in the hoof could lead to a fatal case of Tetanus. Inform the vet at the time of examination and they will be able to administer a protective vaccine. Cushings disease , season spring, summer, autumn and rarely some toxic conditions.

In general laminitic feet should not be poulticed, if you are concerned your horse may be laminitic please contact us so we can arrange an examination with a veterinary surgeon. Improper shoeing shoes too small, trimmed to short, left on too long. Direct contact with stones or hard debris. Trauma, like knocking it on the stall door as the horse exits, or hitting it on the trailer the horse is loading. Talk to your farrier about adding protective padding to shoeing. Smooth out rutted, bumpy pastures before the ground freezes.

Remove snow packs from horse hooves. Snow melts and refreezes causing ice balls to form on the soles. Remove rocks from riding areas. Ask your veterinarian about supplements for horses with naturally poor hoof quality. The resulting internal pressure can be very painful! Even if there are no external marks, hoof testers can be used to test sensitivity of the soft tissue structures within the hoof capsule.

This aids in locating the specific area of pain, which will help determine the cause of the problem and the best way to treat it. Treatment options may range depending on the specific case. It could involve paring the sole to relieve pressure, cold therapy, poulticing, protective bandaging or anti-inflammatories.