Toe white line separation associated with the notch (crena marginalis) on the distal phalanges in Thoroughbred yearling horses.
Abstract: The shape of the white line of the hoof is closely related to the shape of the notch on the dorsal distal bearing border of the distal phalanx (P3). In this study, a radiographic survey of the P3 of both forelimbs of 163 Thoroughbred yearling horses was conducted. The correlation of the depth and width of the notch were analyzed with the toe white line separation grades (0 to 3). As a result, the toe white line separation grade increased, the depth and the width of the notch also increased significantly. Radiographic examination of the P3 of the forelimbs might be useful for deciding whether to implement hoof care to prevent onset of toe white line separation.
Publication Date: 2021-09-24 PubMed ID: 34556604PubMed Central: PMC8636888DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0270Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research study investigates the correlation between the shape of the hoof’s white line and the shape of a notch on the distal phalanx (P3) in young Thoroughbred horses. A key finding was an increase in the depth and width of the notch with an increase in toe white line separation.
Research Objective and Methodology
- The objective of the research was to establish a connection between the shape of the white line of the hoof and the shape of a notch, termed the crena marginalis, on the dorsal distal bearing border of the distal phalanx, known as P3, in one-year-old Thoroughbred horses.
- The researchers embarked on a radiographic survey of the P3 of both forelimbs of 163 Thoroughbred yearling horses to achieve this objective.
- Specifically, they analyzed the correlation of the depth and width of the notch with the toe white line separation grades ranging from 0 to 3. Toe white line separation is a condition that refers to the separation of the white line of the hoof, which can eventually lead to lameness in horses.
Key Findings
- The critical outcome of the study was the discovery of a significant correlation between the toe white line separation grades and the depth and width of the crena marginalis.
- As the toe white line separation grade increased, indicating worsening hoof health, both the notch’s depth and width also significantly increased.
- Thus, the P3 notch’s shape could potentially serve as an indicator of the severity of toe white line separation in horses, meaning that it could provide valuable insights into the animal’s hoof health.
Implications of the Study
- The study’s results potentially have significant implications for the management of hoof health in thoroughbred yearling horses.
- Through radiographic examination of the P3 of the forelimbs, horse handlers and vets may be able to foresee the onset of toe white line separation.
- Consequently, these findings could play a significant role in decision-making regarding when to implement hoof care measures to prevent the onset and progression of toe white line separation.
Cite This Article
APA
Sato F, Otsuka N, Kuwano A.
(2021).
Toe white line separation associated with the notch (crena marginalis) on the distal phalanges in Thoroughbred yearling horses.
J Vet Med Sci, 83(11), 1745-1749.
https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.21-0270 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan.
- Education Center, Japan Farriery Association, Tochigi 320-0851, Japan.
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Hoof and Claw / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horses
- Radiography
- Toes
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest associated with this manuscript.
References
This article includes 18 references
- Berg B, Lancaster L. Radiographic findings regarding the toe crena. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 33: 856.
- Booth L., White D.2007. Pathologic conditions of the external hoof capsul. pp. 224–252. In: Equine Poditary (Floyd, A. E. and Mansmann, R. A. eds.), Saunders, Philadelphia.
- Gregory N, Craggs L, Hobson N, Krogh C. Softening of cattle hoof soles and swelling of heel horn by environmental agents.. Food Chem Toxicol 2006 Aug;44(8):1223-7.
- Kuwano A, Yoshihara T, Takatori K, Kosuge J. Onychomycosis in white line disease in horses: pathology, mycology and clinical features.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1998 Sep;(26):27-35.
- Kuwano A, Katayama Y, Kasashima Y, Okada K, Reilly JD. A gross and histopathological study of an ectopic white line development in equine laminitis.. J Vet Med Sci 2002 Oct;64(10):893-900.
- Kuwano A, Yamauchi Y, Sasagawa T, Sasaki N, Hamano H. Epidemiological survey of the hoof wall cavity ('Gidoh' in Japanese) in racehorses.. Vet Rec 2012 Dec 15;171(24):623.
- Moyer W. Hoof wall defects: chronic hoof wall separations and hoof wall cracks.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2003 Aug;19(2):463-77.
- O’Grady S E. White line disease−an update. Equine Vet. Educ. 14: 51–55.
- O’Grady S E, Burns T D. White line disease: a review (1998–2018). Equine Vet. Educ. 33: 102–112.
- O’Grady S E, Parks A W, Reddn R F, Turner T A. Podiatry terminology. Equine Vet. Educ. 19: 263–271.
- Parks AH. Therapeutic farriery: one veterinarian's perspective.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2012 Aug;28(2):333-50.
- Pollitt CC. The anatomy and physiology of the suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2010 Apr;26(1):29-49.
- Redding WR, O'Grady SE. Nonseptic diseases associated with the hoof complex: keratoma, white line disease, canker, and neoplasia.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2012 Aug;28(2):407-21.
- Reiedesel A. E.2018. Equine phalanges. pp. 520–550. In: Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology, 2 ed. (Thrall, D. E. ed.) Elsevier, St. Louis.
- Rendano V T, Grant B. The equine third phalanx: Its radiographic appearance. Vet. Rad. 19: 125–135.
- Shakalis R M, Pautienis M j. Taking a closer look at white line disease. Am. Ferriers J. 20: 61–66.
- Smallwood J E, Albright S M, Metcalf M R, Thrall D E, Harrington B D. A xeroradiographic study of the developing equine foredigit and metacarpophalangeal pegion from birth to six months of age. Vet. Rad. 30: 98–110.
- Travis D B. Histologic characterization of the laminar interface at the crena marginis solearis in horses. Am. Ferriers J 43: 58–67.
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
