Cracks may form in the horse's hoof wall, usually in a vertical direction, and either originate from the ground surface (sometimes called grass cracks) or, less commonly, from the coronary band (sometimes called sand cracks). They may be complete (from ground surface to coronary band or vice versa) or incomplete (extending part-way up or down the hoof wall from ground surface or coronary band). Incomplete grass cracks seldom cause lameness unless secondarily infected (see our handout on pus in the foot), whereas cracks involving the coronary band often do.
In lame horses, a crack through the coronary band may be painful to palpate and the edges may move apart when the horse bears weight, signifying instability. The pain is caused by pinching and inflammation of the sensitive hoof laminae at the edge of the crack. Alternatively, a crack through the ground surface may be associated with a localized area of pain on palpation, signifying infection and abscess formation.
Dyscourse crack activation
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Ground surface cracks that are not associated with lameness should be removed or stabilized by hoof wall trimming and shoeing where necessary. Where the crack is deep or extensive, further stabilization may be achieved by shoeing with toe or quarter clips either side of the crack or, usually less successfully, by grooving a horizontal line or lines across the end of the crack, as deep as the crack.
Where the coronary band is involved, the crack should be cut out along its length to minimize pinching of the laminae and to prevent perpetuation by overlapping edges, then stabilized using a variety of methods depending upon the nature of the crack and the experience and preference of the farrier:-
For recent and uncomplicated cracks, stabilization may be best achieved by wiring or lacing the crack together through horizontal holes drilled through the hoof and then further stabilized with fiberglass or acrylic patches stuck over the crack and wires or laces. The foot should then be shod with a full-bar shoe with clips.
For long-standing and complicated cracks, the edges of the crack should be held apart by filling the crack with acrylic hoof repair material and further stabilized with fiberglass or acrylic patches stuck over the crack and wires or laces. The foot should then be shod with a full-bar shoe with clips.
Infection, if present, must always be treated before attempting to stabilize a hoof crack. All horses and ponies should be vaccinated against tetanus. Coronary band damage can often lead to unpleasant hoof complications. Long-standing, complicated cracks that involve the coronary band are often difficult to repair completely and will need constant care and supervision.
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