Septic diseases associated with the hoof complex: abscesses, punctures wounds, and infection of the lateral cartilage.
Abstract: Hoof abscesses are probably the most common cause of acute severe lameness in horses encountered by veterinarians and farriers. Most affected horses show sudden, severe (acute) lameness; the degree of lameness varies from being subtle in the early stages to non-weight bearing. There is still debate between the veterinary and farrier professions as to who should treat a hoof abscess and the best method to resolve the abscess. Puncture wounds to the sole of the foot can introduce bacteria and debris to the solar surface of the distal phalanx and produce a fracture or a septic pedal osteitis.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2012-09-18 PubMed ID: 22981199DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2012.06.004Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article discusses the common causes and treatment debates for acute severe lameness in horses, most notably hoof abscesses, puncture wounds and infections. It seeks to identify the best professional practice for the resolution of these ailments.
Hoof Abscesses
- Hoof abscesses in horses are one of the most common causes of acute severe lameness. The onset of this condition is sudden with varying degrees of severity.
- It often starts subtly but can progress to a state where the horse is non-weight bearing.
- The treatment of hoof abscesses is subject to debate between veterinarians and farriers. The best method for resolution is yet to be unanimously agreed upon within the professions.
Puncture Wounds and Infections
- Puncture wounds to the sole of the foot are another cause of acute severe lameness. They can introduce bacteria and other debris to the distal phalanx’s solar surface.
- These wounds can then result in a fracture or septic pedal osteitis, which is an infection within the hoof complex.
The article explores these problems and their respective treatments in detail. Understanding the nature of the conditions and their potential solutions can aid in formulating a standard practice for dealing with these diseases in the future.
Cite This Article
APA
Redding WR, O'Grady SE.
(2012).
Septic diseases associated with the hoof complex: abscesses, punctures wounds, and infection of the lateral cartilage.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 28(2), 423-440.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2012.06.004 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. rich_redding@ncsu.edu
MeSH Terms
- Abscess / diagnosis
- Abscess / etiology
- Abscess / therapy
- Abscess / veterinary
- Animal Husbandry / instrumentation
- Animal Husbandry / methods
- Animals
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
- Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
- Bacterial Infections / etiology
- Bacterial Infections / therapy
- Bacterial Infections / veterinary
- Cartilage
- Drainage / methods
- Drainage / veterinary
- Extremities
- Foot Diseases / diagnosis
- Foot Diseases / etiology
- Foot Diseases / therapy
- Foot Diseases / veterinary
- Fractures, Bone / etiology
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Hoof and Claw
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horse Diseases / therapy
- Horses
- Humans
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Lameness, Animal / therapy
- Osteitis / etiology
- Osteitis / veterinary
- Perfusion / methods
- Perfusion / veterinary
- Photography / veterinary
- Shoes
- Wounds, Penetrating / diagnosis
- Wounds, Penetrating / etiology
- Wounds, Penetrating / therapy
- Wounds, Penetrating / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Holzhauer M, Boersma SJ, Boon D, de Leeuw H. An Evaluation of a Parenteral Antibiotic Treatment of Cattle with Non-Healing Claw Horn Lesions. Animals (Basel) 2024 May 7;14(10).
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