Hoof Cracks
by Dr. Hiltrud Strasser
The main causes of cracks in the hoof wall are tensions that occur as a result
of shoeing. To function properly, a hoof must be able to expand on impact, ie.
when bearing weight: from zero at the tip of the toe to the greatest expansion
in the area of the heel (which should not be allowed to grow long enough to
strike the ground at an angle, thus creating damaging lever forces in the hoof--one
of the main causes of navicular syndrome. Furthermore, the sole of the hoof
is not intended for compression, but rather is designed to stretch, distributing
the impact force in the direction of the ground.
Unbearable stresses arise when these physical factors are ignored and the hoof
function compromised, as through the use of shoes (which, in fact, disrupt the
entire hoof mechanism) or long heels.
A shod hoof cannot expand: the hoof walls cannot spread apart on impact, the
sole is compressed instead of drawn flat and, behind the last nail, a bend appears
in the hoof wall. As a result of these forced "deformations", cracks
occur in the hoof. And as long as the unnatural forces (and their source!) are
present, the cracks cannot permanently heal.
Also, it is well known that immobilization delays healing. Therefore, shutting
down the hoof mechanism (as through shoeing or stall rest) will also forestall
a satisfactory recovery. A fully functioning hoof mechanism is the prerequisite
for normal blood supply in this region, and therefore vital for healing.
With deficient blood supply, only poor horn is formed. The crack may not grow
out, may become larger, or recur.
As soon as a hoof with cracks is returned to a natural hoof shape, the cracks
will heal and not recur.
In any case, all disinfecting agents who have a strong desiccating action (such
as idiophones) are to be avoided; their drying action makes the newly growing
horn weak and brittle. What hooves do need is sufficient moisture through daily
exposure to water.
Copyright Dr. vet. med. H. Strasser
Blaihofstr. 42/1, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
Tel/Fax: (011) 49-7071-87572
Ed. & Canadian contact: Sabine Kells at email: textorder @ shaw.ca
©2006 by The Horse's Hoof. All rights reserved. No part of
these publications may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without the written
permission of the publisher and/or authors. The information contained within
these articles is intended for educational purposes only, and not for diagnosing
or medicinally prescribing in any way. Readers are cautioned to seek expert
advice from a qualified health professional before pursuing any form of treatment
on their animals. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do
not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
