Multiple keratomas in an equine foot.

The study discusses a case where a 19-year-old Arabian gelding was treated for limping and a deformity in the hoof wall of left hindlimb. An X-ray revealed a semi-circular, translucent area in the edge of the lowermost bone of the foot. The horse successfully underwent a surgery which involved resecting the hoof wall and removing three distinct keratomas.

Background of the Study

• The research primarily revolves around an Arabian gelding horse which is of 19 years old.
• The horse was presented with two main issues, which were limping in the left hind limb and a deviation in the hoof wall.

Procedure and Findings

• To figure out the root cause of these conditions, radiograph examinations were conducted.
• The radiographs revealed a semi-circular area in the lateral edge of the distal phalanx that was radiolucent or translucent to X-rays. The distal phalanx is essentially the lowermost bone in the limb of the horse.
• This particular radiolucent area turned out to be a sign of keratomas or benign growths that occur in the hooves of horses.

Treatment

• For the treatment, a hoof wall resection was conducted, which is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the hoof wall.
• During the operation, three distinct keratomas were successfully removed, treating the hoof wall deviation and possibly addressing the lameness in the gelding’s left hindlimb.

This study demonstrates the importance of radiographic examinations in diagnosing abnormalities in equine patients and proves the effectiveness of hoof wall resection in treating conditions like keratomas.