[The deciduous hoof capsule (Capsula ungulae decidua) of the equine fetus and newborn foal].

The research focuses on the detailed study of the hoof epidermis or hoof capsule development in equine fetuses and newborn foals, suggesting that the term “deciduous hoof capsule” is more appropriate than “Eponychium” for this structure given its nature and origin.

Objective and Methodology

• The primary objective of the research was to clarify the ambiguity in the use of the term “Eponychium” for the deciduous hoof capsule in various fields of veterinary medicine. The researchers aimed to thoroughly investigate and describe the structure and origin of the hoof epidermis in equine fetus and newborn foals.
• The research was carried out using light microscopical techniques on the hoof epidermis from 10 equine fetuses at different stages of development and 4 newborn foals.

Findings and Conclusion

• Through the study, the researchers found that epidermal tubules and lamellae are present even in the non-cornified fetal hoof epidermis. Along with the formation of a white line, this epidermis can be divided into the same segments commonly used when referring to the permanent hoof.
• The major part of the deciduous hoof epidermis consists of the sole and frog, with significant portions also formed in the coronary corium and the hoof wall. Conversely, the perioplic corium constitutes a relatively insignificant part of the fetal hoof capsule.
• Between the second half of the gestation period and birth, the deciduous (primary) hoof capsule is continuously replaced from below by a newly-forming, cornified permanent hoof capsule.
• Based on the structure and origin of the hoof capsule, the term “deciduous hoof capsule (Capsula ungulae decidua)” is proposed as a replacement for the word “Eponychium” to refer to the primary hoof epidermis.