HUGE Keratoma removed from friends horse

[moneypit1]

My friends horse had a keratoma removed 10 days ago. It was huge, the biggest the specialist had seen (about the size of an egg). He went in through the sole of the foot instead of cutting through the hoof. A special metal plate was fitted to the bottom of the hoof and is removed for cleaning daily. The horses progress is amazing. He is barely lame and doing so well, the hole is now growing over. Wondered if anyone else had any experiences of keratoma's?

 

[glenruby]

Iv seen one a few weeks ago. Was removed quite easily, though left a massive deficit in the hoof wal. Was at the point of the toe extending upwards about halfway up the hoof wall. So an area about 1.5incheas across and extending half way up the hoof as well as about 1inch squared of the sole were removed. Horse was on bute and ABs for five days. 3weeks later hes almost completely sound. ie sound when walking and 1/10th lame at trot but sensitive to hoof testers.