F requently A sked Q uestions about some of the most common hoof ailments.
Q: What is founder? A: Founder is when the laminae (soft tissue that connects the hoof wall to the coffin bone) become inflamed and swollen and the hard outer “shell” of the horse's hoof (horn) is pushed away from the coffin bone (P3)and sometimes the bone itself can be pushed back and out of alignment with the pastern bone (P2). Vets refer to this as "rotation".
The laminae connection is torn and is very painful to the horse.
Q: How long does it take for a foundered horse to become sound? A: Usually within a 12 month time frame. Unless a horse has had the deep flexor tendon cut or the hoof resected, an average horse can “regrow” the damaged laminae connection in 8 to 12 months.
Q: What causes founder? A: There are different types of founder, however the most common is from a too many toxins in the horse's system. These toxins can enter the horse's system many ways. Everything from a snake bite, too many antibiotics for too long a period of time, too much grain, poisonous plants, retained placenta to just name a few. There is also “road founder” from prolonged hard riding on a hard surface with a lot of concussion. Founder from poor hoof form is another way the laminae can be torn from the outer wall of the hoof.
Q: What is laminitis? A: Laminitis is referred to the condition of the hoof prior to founder. Before the hoof wall is “torn” away from the connection to the coffin bone, the laminae become inflamed and swollen. Horse's can become “lamanitic” without foundering.
Q: What is Navicular? A: Navicular “disease” is caused from an “imbalance” inside the center of the hoof. Pressure is on the navicular bone and can obstruct the blood flow in the center of the foot. The navicular bone is a small bone that works as a “valve” to open and close a portion of the blood flow inside the hoof. On rare occasions, the navicular bone can become cracked or broken, but in most cases, navicular disease is from improper hoof form.
Q: What is white line disease?
A: White line disease is when the laminae is torn (commonly referred to as "stretched") and pathogens have entered behind the hoof wall and caused cellular damage. White line is almost always caused from poor hoof form (either from poor hoof care, laminitis or founder ).
Q: What is “thrush”? A: Thrush is a bacteria that can live in cracks in the sole and underneath the side area of an improperly trimmed frog. It thrives in dark, damp places inside the foot. To prevent decomposition of tissue, thrush can be avoided with proper trimming and correct hoof mechanism.
Q: Can all foundered horses be cured? A: A foundered horse can recover completely only IF there has been no damage to the coffin bone. The earlier the proper treatment can happen, the better the prognosis.
Q: How long does it take a horse with navicular disease to become sound? A: Many times in just one trim, but others that also have thin soles and other damage, may take several months. (This is for general reference only and is not intended to take the place of your Veterinarian's recommendations. ) |
 A foundered horse before treatment
 This is the same horse 10 months later after treatment
This is a horse with navicular
 This is the same horse 3 months after treatment
This is a horse with navicular before a trim
 This the same hoof after 2 trims |
