Horizontal crack in hoof- suggestions

[IncaCola]

A Livery's mare has suddenly developed a horizontal crock quite high up from heel and about an inch long. Otherwise hooves are in good condition. Obviously important it does increase further. Anyone had any experience of this and whether it is worth filling it with anything (putty or hardener). Livery also considering putting the mare on a hoof supplement, but please tell me one that really works and doesn't cost the earth!

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

sounds like a crack from a burst abcess!(these mainly go unnoticed until the crack starts growing down) it should grow down and away no probs but get your farrier to check it when he shoes/trims her in next few weeks! farriers formulae is very good, as is formulae for feet i think. wouldnt think it is worth cosmetically filling it, just keep it clean and keep an eye on it, and consult your farrier on next visit,(presuming the horse is sound and well?)

 

[teddyt]

Supplements will only work if the problem is caused by nutrition and the deficiency is consequently rectified. You also need to feed them for at least 12 months or youre wasting your money, as it takes at least 9 months for the hoof to grow.

Crack could be from previous trauma at coronet band or from mis-balanced foot. Could also be from weather changes (wet then dry- not good for feet) or strain from conformation.

Best thing is to get your farrier to look and advise

 

[brightmount]

Apart from the suggestions above, horizontal heel cracks may also result from using studs, so if your livery does stud for XC they would be best to do without until it grows out.

 

[ryanpeter691]

My pont had one of these on her back foot. The farrier said it could have been an abcess that just didnt cause her any problems then it burst. Or it could have been a sand crack but it just grew out and within about 3 shoeings at 8 weeks apart it had grown out and no problems ever since.. Touch wood.