The effect of hoof angle variations on dorsal lamellar load in the equine hoof.

This research investigates how variations in horse hoof angle impact the load on the dorsal lamellar junction within the hoof. Contrary to common belief, the study suggests that increasing the palmar angle might heighten, rather than lessen, the load on the junction and potentially cause more damage to a hoof already struck with laminitis.

Research Objective

The main aim of this investigation was to decode the effect of changing the palmar angle on the load borne by the dorsal laminar junction in a horse’s hoof. This is crucial to assess the existing belief that raising the palmar angle can reduce stress on this area and facilitate the healing of an inflamed hoof caused by laminitis.

Methods

• The research used biomechanical finite element models of horse hooves. This involved intricate mathematical techniques for computer-based simulations that help portray the physical properties of an object, here, the horse’s hoof.
• These models varied in the palmar angles of the distal phalanx from 0 to 15 degrees.
• They factored in tissue material relations, accounting for characteristics like anisotropy and the effect of moisture on the hoof.
• The models were subjected to conditions simulating different stages in a horse’s stance which included maximum force, joint moment at midstance, and breakover joint moment.
• The loads for each situation were adjusted to account for the alteration in the joint moment resulting from increasing the palmar angle.

Results

• Irrespective of the loading case, enhancing the palmar angle escalated the stored elastic energy, indicating increased load, in the dorsal laminar junction.
• Higher palmar angles were associated with greater stored elastic energy in the proximal and distal laminar junction.
• The breakover case revealed that stored elastic energy near the proximal border also increased with the palmar angle.

Conclusion

• The study forecasts that raising the palmar angle contributes to an increased load on the dorsal laminar junction.
• It calls into question methods of hoof care that suggest increasing the palmar angle to ease the load on the dorsal lamellae, indicating they may not be effective as previously thought.