Coffin Bone Rotation and Changes within the Hoof
by Dr. Hiltrud Strasser
A rotated coffin bone, which can result from several different causes, is a
change in the position of the coffin bone. The sensitive laminae which normally
hold the coffin bone firmly in place decay, allowing the toe of the coffin bone
to drop. This then presses on the sole, which causes inflammation and changes
to the laminae and bone of the toe. New horn no longer grows in this region;
only a secretion is produced from the effected area. Eventually, as the sole
is worn away from below and the horn on the inside of the sole decays, the tip
of the coffin bone protrudes through the sole.
The usual orthopedic treatment to prevent the protrusion of the coffin bone
and return it to its physiological position is to apply artificial pressure
from below. This is attempted by, for example, a padded bar across the middle
of the shoe.
However, this affects only a slight rearward shift of the pressure point, back
from the tip of the coffin bone. The resultant alleviation of pressure naturally
brings relief, but this is only temporary. After a while, inflammation sets
in at the new pressure point, once again causing lameness. By changing the type
of shoe, alleviating the pressure each time an acute inflammation occurs, a
pain-free situation can be achieved several times without any actual healing
having taken place. However, at some point, changing the type of shoe will no
longer help, because there is no healthy part of the coffin bone left to which
the pressure can be diverted.
In contrast to this, healing can occur when the hoof, through correct trimming,
is returned to its optimal natural form, in which the mechanical action of the
hoof will resuscitate the laminae.
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.
