Study Guide: Hoof Capsule, Distal Phalanx

What is white line disease?

White line disease is the deterioration of the white line of the hoof capsule resulting in loss of the bond between the hoof wall and the sole.

What issues may incite white line disease?

Issues that my incite white line disease include: poor quality horn, as well as regions with warm, humid climates. In addition less frequent hoof picking, flax bedding, white colored hooves, and longer intervals between trimming sessions.

How does white line disease cause lameness?

White line disease causes lameness because as the hoof wall begins to separate from the sole, the hoof wall is exposed to increased tensional forces leading to the development of inflammatory processes in the sensitive laminae resulting in lameness.

How is white line disease treated?

White line disease is treated but removing altered/ necrotic horn, possible hoof wall resection, and thrush treatment to kill bacteria and fungi.

What is a keratoma?

A keratoma consists of poor quality horn that is columnar shape extending towards the inside of the hoof.

What are the two types of keratoma?

There is the classic keratoma that is cylindircal and protrudes parallel to the horn tubules. There is also the spherical form that can develop anywhere in the hoof capsule.

Where are keratomas most commonly located?

Keratomas are most commonly located in the dorsal, dorsolateral, or dorsomedial aspect of the wall.

What commonly causes keratomas?

The most common cause is localized inflammation or trauma at the coronary bran where new horn is produced. However, a chronic recurrent abscess can also lead to the development of a keratoma.

Can keratomas be associated with infection?

idk... his slides say inflammation or trauma

What conditions must be ruled out before diagnosing a keratoma?

abscess

What is the classic radiographic sign of a keratoma?

The classic radiograph sign of a keratoma is a circular lytic area is the distal phalanx

What are the main treatment principles for keratoma?

The main treatment principles for a keratoma is that it must be completely removed from the origin and there must be hoof wall support

Which surgical technique generally has a better prognosis for keratoma removal?

Partial wall resection over the mass has a better prognosis compared to a complete hoof wall resection.

Which technique carries a higher complication rate?

A complete hoof wall resection has a higher complication rate

What is the prognosis for a horse treated for keratoma?

The overall prognosis for a horse treated for keratoma is very good if surgical treatment is elected.

What is the most frequent cause of acute severe lameness in horses?

The most frequent case of acute severe lameness in horses is a hoof abscess.

What are the cardinal clinical signs of a hoof abscess?

The cardinal clinical signs of a hoof abscess are: severe lameness, increased warmth to hoof wall, hoof testers elicit strong positive response, and possible generalized swelling of distal limb.

How are hoof abscesses treated?

Hoof abscess are treated by removing undermined or necrotic horn and then povidone iodine soak or poultice bandage overnight to soften hoof horn to aid in locating abscess/ drainage. Once the abscess is opened the infected area is cleaned with iodine of H2O2 and bandaged.

What complication can occur if a hoof abscess is left untreated?

If a hoof abscess is left untreated it can: break through coronary band or extended deeper into foot

How should a hoof abscess that breaks out the coronary band be treated?

A hood abscess that breaks out the coronary band will require the creation of a window into the hoof wall to open the proximal aspect of the draining tract?? requires daily flushing with dilute provodone iodine solution.

What is canker in horses?

Canker is abnormal horn proliferation occurring frequently in the frog region.

What are the suspected causes of canker?

The suspected causes of canker are unknown- some say it is a breed predilection for draft horses while others believe unsanitary stall conditions can cause it.

What are common differentials for canker?

Some differentials for canker include: advanced thrush or fungal infection of the coronary band.

What are diagnostic signs of canker?

Diagnostic signs of canker include: cauliflower like growths that are not cornified at the surface but are covered with a greasy, greyish white material. There is often a foul odor, the area is painful to pressure, and horses are usually lame. When traumatized, the area bleeds profusely.

What is the standard surgical treatment for canker?

The standard surgical treatment for canker is the removal of abnormal horn while sparing the stratum germinativum.

What part of the frog must be preserved during surgery?

stratum germinativum

Why is a tourniquet used during canker debridement?

A tourniquet is used during canker debridement as the area can bleed profusely.

What medical treatment is used post-surgery for canker?

Post canker surgery the hoof is bandages in provodone iodine for 2-3 days. The wound is covered with iodoform iodine, zinc oxide, tannic acid, and metronidazole. Systemic antibiotics are administered when more than one hoof is affected.

What is a sign that canker is recurring after treatment?

A sign that canker is returning after treatment is the presence of soft greasy horn.

Why is surgery usually necessary in canker cases?

Surgery is usually necessary in canker cases because the condition creates thick, abnormal, cauliflower-like growths of diseased tissue that topical medications alone cannot penetrate or eliminate

How are fractures of the distal phalanx classified?

Fractures of the distal phalanx are classified into the following types:

I. Abaxial/paramedian fractures without joint involvement

II. Abaxial/paramedian fractures with joint involvement

III. Axial and periaxial fractures with joint involvement

IV. Fractures of the extensor process

V. Multifragment (comminuted) fractures with joint involvement

VI. Solar margin fractures

Some complicated fractures involve several fracture types and therefore cannot be classified as one type.

What are common causes of distal phalanx fractures?

Some causes of distal phalanx fractures include: fast or excessive work, acute trauma, trauma sustained during kick to hard, immobile object, laceration of the hoof capsule

What are the clinical signs of a distal phalanx fracture?

Clinical signs of a distal phalanx fracture include: acute moderate to severe lameness increased during turns, hoof and distal phalangeal region are warm to the touch, and increased pulses can be palpated over palmar or plantar arteries.

How are non-displaced fractures of the distal phalanx treated?

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What medications are used to manage inflammation and pain in hoof fractures?

NSAIDs