Need Help with Hoof Injury

Hi Dr. Tom,

I have a major issue on home front this afternoon… 11yo TB rehab, been bare 3+ years and doing great... building concavity… never been off.

Raced around today in a new paddock (we just moved) and found a 1" stump to land on with his right front, puncture/cracked sole just below seat of corn, cracked sole along bar and then 1" further toward toe callous.  No external damage.  Very concerned that he has broken the bar internally.

Dead lame, blood, the works.  He allowed me to take a little bit of bar, not much.  Soaked hoof, packed w/antiseptic, added foam pad/vetwrap and duct tape.  When he lays down again I'm slapping a boot/pad on the good hoof.  He's on bute/oral antibiotics. The vet I called in the area is not sure what to do.  Anyone who has had experience w/this type injury/treatment tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
H

Hi there,

Good wound care is all you need to do at this point.  Of course the boots with pads inside are a great idea, along with keeping the injured area clean.  The systemic antibiotics are likely not needed if you're able to keep the localized area clean.  An x-ray or other imaging might help determine if the coffin bone is intact.  Fractures can and do happen. Don't lock the horse up.  Keep them in the same area with their buddies, free to move about as they are willing and able.  Generally about a month will allow these injuries to heal up.  Left over lameness past this point may be indicative of a deeper problem.

Keep up the good nursing,

Dr. Tom T.

 

Comments

[Wendy Wagner]

Not quite the same injury, but similar. I had a untouched mare that I had just gotten and not had enough time to tame. She split a hoof from floor to hair in the quarter. Blood and slobber kind of injury. She was untouchable without a trank gun, so I was not able to find a vet to work with her. About a week later the whole heel section on one side came off, and still I could do nothing but watch.
About a month later I was seeing progress, but I was sceptical, but eventually she took steps solidly. Within six months I was on her back!
Her hoof is badly flared in the injury region, and rather mishapen, but she has been completly sound for years.
Hang in there, you could be surprised!
Wendy W.