DAIN DUNSMORE EQUINE SERVICES

Abscesses are infections of the soft portion of the hoof.

Causes
1) Usually start as a result of a puncture wound or injury.

Symptoms
1)  Lameness with severe pain 
2) May see dark spot on hoof  
3) Some abscesses may open and drain

Treatment
1)  Consult your veterinarian 
2)  Abscess will need to be opened to allow drainage 
3) Antibiotics for deeper abscesses 
4) Severe abscesses may require long-term treatment with regular dressing changes

Corns is bruising of the sole at the back of the hoof at the angle between the wall and the bars.

Causes
1) Improper shoeing or poor hoof trimming

Symptoms
1) Yellow or red discoloration of the sole, usually on the front feet
2) Possible lameness 
3) Soreness of the area when using a hoof tester  
4) Area of corn may become abscessed

Treatments
1) Consult your veterinarian 
2) Corrective trimming 
3) Shoeing to protect and transfer weight from the bruised area 
4) Draining of the area if there is an abscess

Contracted Heels is the heel area narrows such that the width at the base of the frog is less than 2/3 the width of the widest part of the hoof.

Causes  
1) Poor conformation - genetics 
2) Dry environment leading to loss of moisture in hoof 
3) Improper shoeing or poor hoof trimming 
4) Lack of exercise

Symptoms
1) The width at the base of the frog is less than 2/3 the width of the widest part of the hoof .
2) Can often lead to other hoof problems

Treatment
1) Consult your veterinarian 
2)  Proper hoof trimming (may take months of regular trimming to resolve) and, if necessary, corrective shoeing.      
3) Restore hoof moisture

Laminitis (Founder) is inflammation of the sensitive lamina (the connective tissue between the hoof and the coffin bone). The circulation becomes disrupted.

Causes
1) Poor foot trimming 
2) Grain overload 
3) Toxicity from colic 
4) Certain steroid medications 
5) Foot injury

Symptoms
1) The signs are progressive. At first, walks as though on eggshells. Then weight shifted to rear feet. Then resists walking, and lies down much of the time. This can result in severe, permanent, life-threatening lameness.

Treatments
1) Consult your veterinarian 
2) Radiographs (x-rays) often necessary 
3) Provide soft footing 
4) Give anti-inflammatory medications and medications that improve circulation to the foot 
5)  Corrective shoeing