The Hoof

Question 1

What encloses the interior structures of the hoof?

Answer 1

the hoof capsule

Question 2

Epidermal laminae

Answer 2

is on the inside of the hoof capsule
-connects with the dermal laminae
-keeps the hoof capsule attached to the

Question 3

Dermal laminae

Answer 3

is on the surface of the coffin bone
-connects with the epidermal laminae
-keeps the coffin bone anchored in place

Question 4

Laminar interface

Answer 4

where the epidermal and dermal laminae connect

Question 5

Long pastern

Answer 5

P1

Question 6

Short pastern

Answer 6

P2

Question 7

Coffin bone

Answer 7

P3

Question 8

The hoof is an important…

Answer 8

shock absorber

Question 9

What makes the hoof a good shock absorber?

Answer 9

-ability to expand and contract
-ability to distribute forces equally

Question 10

Medial-lateral hoof balance

Answer 10

When viewed from the front, the coronary band is parallel to the ground, and the walls are symmetrical

Question 11

Static hoof balance

Answer 11

the balance of the hoof when it is sitting on the ground still (not moving)

Question 12

Dorsal-palmer hoof balance

Answer 12

the relationship between the angle of the dorsal wall of the hoof and the angle of the heel along with the alignment/angle of the pastern

Question 13

Palmer

Answer 13

front

Question 14

Plantar

Answer 14

back

Question 15

4 things you should look for to determine whether a hoof has been prepared properly prior to shoeing

Answer 15

1.) hoof wall is level at the bottom
2.) the hoof is shaped: Duckett’s Dot to the toe should equal the distance of the dot to the medial wall
3.) Sole of the hoof should be concave, and should not be too thick or thin
4.) the length of the toe should be appropriate for the horse and pertain to the thickness of the sole

Question 16

4 things to look for to determine whether the shoe has been properly fitted and applied to the hoof

Answer 16

1.) about 1/6-1/8 in of the edge of the shoe should be visible from the quarters to the heels when looking from above
2.) the heel of the shoe should be below the midline of the cannon bone when its vertical (extend past the heel for support)
3.) the heads of the nails should be tightly placed in the crease of the shoe
4.) clinches should be square and smooth to touch. They should be flush against the hoof wall

Question 17

Advantages of steel horse shoes

Answer 17

they can be shaped while cold (except large sizes) and they are durable

Question 18

Advantages of aluminum shoes

Answer 18

they are lighter weight and can be used to make wider or thicker shoes without any weight increase

Question 19

Advantages of titanium shoes

Answer 19

they are corrosion resistant, strong, and light. A combination of steel and aluminum advantages but not well tested

Question 20

Advantages of plastic shoes

Answer 20

not great to nail on but helpful in therapeutic situations when glued on. They can be used when a wall is too damaged or weak to hold nails in, or on foals

Question 21

Advantages of plastic/rubber shoes with a steel/aluminum core

Answer 21

can be shaped and give more support than just plastic. They are good for their ability to absorb shock well

Question 22

Characteristics of the hoof that act as a shock abosorber:

Answer 22

-digital cushion
-heel
-concave sole
-frog
-laminar interface
-collateral cartilages
-navicular bursa
-circulatory system (vasculature)

Question 23

Front hoof vs. hind hoof

Answer 23

Front hoof: rounder and a larger surface area
Hind hoof: oval shape and a somewhat pointed toe. More concave than the front hoof

Question 24

How much does the hoof grow per month?

Answer 24

about 1/4 in.

Question 25

“Normal” toe angle in the hind

Answer 25

50-55 degrees

Question 26

“Normal” toe angle in the front

Answer 26

45-50 degrees

Question 27

Is the front or back hoof at a higher angle normally?

Answer 27

the hind foot

Question 28

Laminitis

Answer 28

inflammation of the laminar interface
-painful
-front hooves are more commonly affected
-multiple causes

Question 29

What can occur due to laminitis?

Answer 29

rotation of the coffin bone: inflammation of the lamina can decrease the strength of the lamina and the pull of the deep digital flexor tendon can rotate the coffin bone
-the coffin can also sink down inside the hoof capsule causing a flat or convex sole

Question 30

Navicular syndrome

Answer 30

inflammation of the navicular apparatus
-navicular bone or associated structures
-usually front limbs
-aka “caudal heel pain”

Question 31

What movement will horses do with navicular?

Answer 31

-shortened, toe-first motion
-they try not to walk on their heels (to protect them)

Question 32

Navicular apparatus:

Answer 32

-navicular bone
-navicular bursa
-deep digital flexor
-tendon
-navicular ligaments

Question 33

Digital cushion

Answer 33

fibro-elastic structure that helps protect the navicular apparatus

Question 34

Other disorders of the hoof:

Answer 34

-contracted heel
-bruises
-abscess
-thrush
-white line disease

Question 35

Thrush

Answer 35

microbial infection of frog, sulci

Question 36

White line disease

Answer 36

infection and separation at white line
-aka “seedy toe”