The Equine Foot

External Structure Cornied modication of epidermis Internal Structure Distal phalanx = "P3" = cofn bone Digital cushion Navicular bone/bursa Cofn joint Sole

The Hoof Wall The periosteum of the distal phalanx (P3) blends with the laminar corium - this is called the sensitive laminae (has nerves) The sensitive laminae interdigitate with the epidermal laminae (the insensitive laminae)

Microscopic View Notice the large surface area that is created by thousands of interdigitating laminae This creates a strong connection between the bone and the hoof wall External Structure The sole is normally concave in shape The frog is a specialized wedge-shaped pad that is important for blood ow return from the foot The junction between the sole and the wall is known as the "white line" This is where the epidermal laminae come into wear as the hoof wall elongates

Blood Supply Digital artery Digital vein Digital nerve Digital cushion

Functional Anatomy Locomotion Lightweight Flexible Withstand constant concussion/absorb shock Standing support as part of the "stay apparatus" White Line Disease Bacterial infection of the white line and can include a large portion of the hoof wall Dark black line alone the sole/wall junction Mild cases resolve with trimming out dead tissue or foreign body (such as gravel) Laminitis Disruption of the blood supply to the foot = ischemic necrosis of the laminae = pain = vasoconstriction = more pain = more necrosis = vicious cycle Causes Carbohydrate overload Lush grass Sepsis (overwhelming bacterial infection) Concussion Hormones Virus Drug-induced Endotoxemia Treatments Prevent endotoxemia Pain control Corrective trimming/shoeing Maintain frog support Reduce tension on the DDF Protect laminae Remove necrotic tissue Navicular Syndrome Navicular bone Navicular bursa Flexor tendons The navicular bone improves the mechanics of the DDR Forelimb lameness Causes Combination of factors:

Hereditary predisposition Conformation Small feet for large body weight Low in the heels/long toe Improper trimming Inappropriate exercise Excessive workload early in life Hard surfaces = increased concussion Theories Physical concussion Excessive strain from deep digital exor tendon Disruption in the blood supply Clinical Signs Intermittent forelimb lameness Worsens with hard work Length of stride is reduced Stumbling Excessive toe wear - horse is trying to protect the heels Over time the foot will change shape Heels will contract to keep pressure off the frog Quarters will narrow Sole will become more concave If only one foot is involved - it will usually be smaller