A singular case of traumatic total hoof capsule avulsion

Abstract

Summary Total, full thickness hoof wall avulsion is rare in horses. Sometimes complications such as fracture of the distal phalanx, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and degenerative joint disease have been reported. Limiting motion at the affected site and hoof stabilisation are essential to obtain a good hoof regeneration. This case report reviews the clinical features including diagnostic techniques (radiographic examination and venography) of a Quarter Horse filly presented with a complete and full‐thickness traumatic hoof capsule avulsion complicated by an open fracture of the third phalanx. A transfixation casting technique was performed followed after one month by 2 short limb casts applied for 2 months each. Twenty‐four months after trauma the foot had completely regrown. The dorsal aspect of the hoof wall appears to be remarkably shorter compared to the heels. From a radiographic viewpoint, the lateral aspect of the left hind foot shows diffuse bone remodelling and a deformed distal phalanx.

Spontaneous hoof capsule loss following lacerations of the equine distal limb

“…Complete regrowth of the new horn capsule may take up to 9 months (Jackson ; Stanek and Brkic ; de Gresti et al . ).…”

“…Euthanasia was elected in all the cases herein. However, it is possible to treat cases of hoof slough, but the final outcome, following prolonged costly treatment and time investment, is a deformed hoof (de Gresti et al 2008). The horn of the wall grows from the stratum germinativum of the coronary corium at an average rate of 6-10 mm per month Reilly et al 1998).…”

“…There are few case reports of complete traumatic hoof capsule loss in the veterinary literature in the last 50 years and all involve single cases (Jackson ; Stanek and Brkic ; de Gresti et al . ).…”

“…Complete loss of the hoof capsule due to trauma, on the other hand, has a poor prognosis for return to normal function. There are few case reports of complete traumatic hoof capsule loss in the veterinary literature in the last 50 years and all involve single cases (Jackson 1969;Stanek and Brkic 1981;de Gresti et al 2008).…”

Hoof renewal time from birth of Thoroughbred foals

“…Hoof growth rates in mature horses have been reported without stating hoof wall renewal time (Faramarzi et al, 2009;Reilly et al, 1998). In a case of total hoof wall avulsion of a four year old Quarter Horse, it was reported that 24 months after the trauma the hoof had completely regrown implying that this was the length of time for hoof renewal in this case (de Gresti et al, 2008). A number of authors have speculated that the hoof wall grows faster in young horses but only two have measured hoof growth rates in foals (Smallwood et al, 1986;Butler and Hintz, 1977).…”