External characteristics of the lateral aspect of the hoof differ between non-lame and lame horses.

The research article discusses how the external features of a horse’s hoof, including various angular measurements and linear ratios, differ in sound and lame horses. This understanding could help predict future lameness risks and decide the suitability of a horse during a pre-purchase examination.

Overall Objective

• The main objective of the study was to analyze and compare different external factors and ratios of the lateral aspect of a horse’s hoof between sound and lame horses. The data for the study was gathered from a total of 325 horses, including 300 lame horses and 25 sound horses.

Methodology of the Study

• The researchers took photographs of the feet of the aforementioned horses for close scrutiny and analysis.
• They specifically measured and calculated the hoof wall, heel, and coronary band angles, hoof wall length and height, length of the area bearing weight, the length, and height of the coronary band at the dorsal and palmar locations.
• The recorded data was then turned into linear ratios to create a more simplified and comparable metric.

Findings of the Study

• The researchers found that mean hoof wall, heel, and coronary band angles were larger in lame horses as compared to sound ones.
• A significant difference was found between the ratio of dorsal to palmar coronary band heights and the shape of the coronary band in sound and lame horses.
• Further, it was noticed that in cases of lameness which lasted for more than 3 months, the growth rings were divergent and the horn tubules were not parallel.

Implications of the Study

• During a pre-purchase examination, if a larger ratio of dorsal to palmar coronary band heights is noticed in a horse’s limb, it may indicate previous lameness in that foot.
• The changes observed in the shape of the coronary band and the divergence in growth rings and horn tubules point towards likely lameness in the horse for a more extended period.