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Bruising in the foot can be classified as a penetrating wound. While it is unlike a nail that would enter into the hoof, bruises can impact the health of the horse and will often cause lameness. Depending on the severity of the bruise, a “hemorrhage [can occur] in the solar corium [or there can even be] serum accumulation” (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). There are two classifications of bruising, Sole Bruises and Corns. Sole bruises occur on the toe or quarters and corns occur between the hoof wall and bar (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). According to the article “Penetrating Wounds, Abscesses, Gravel, and Bruising of the Equine Foot,” “Sole bruises result from a single traumatic even or from repetitive trauma to the solar surface of the foot” (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). This is not extremely likely in racehorses, as they are not exposed to hard terrain, but if the horse has “thin soles, soft soles, flat feet, or previous laminitis” they can be more prone to this problem (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). As the trauma on the foot continues, the bruise develops further, seen through the acquisition of lameness in the horse. Newer bruises will not be seen on the surface of the sole, only bruises that have been developing for long time can be seen through discoloration (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). Mild sole bruises can be treated with soaking in hot water. If the bruise is deeper, it must be treated as an abscess. Prevention is best managed through proper foot care, like maintaining proper concavity of the sole. Also working a horse on the proper footing will prevent the development of sole bruises.
Corns are typically a result of poor conformation or improper shoeing (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). The most common location would be in the medial heel of the front limbs. Horses that have been trimmed improperly, with long toes and short heels, put excess pressure across the heel. Small shoes can also have this effect, no matter if the shoe is too small when first nailed on or if the shoe is left on too long and the hoof outgrows the shoe (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). Lameness can sometimes be seen with these types of bruises, but hoof testers will be the best way to locate the bruise. The affected area must be pared away with a hoof knife (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). If deep, the hoof must be soaked and bandaged. Again, prevention of these bruises is best managed through proper hoof care. If the problem results from poor conformation the bruises will be harder to prevent.
Corns are typically a result of poor conformation or improper shoeing (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). The most common location would be in the medial heel of the front limbs. Horses that have been trimmed improperly, with long toes and short heels, put excess pressure across the heel. Small shoes can also have this effect, no matter if the shoe is too small when first nailed on or if the shoe is left on too long and the hoof outgrows the shoe (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). Lameness can sometimes be seen with these types of bruises, but hoof testers will be the best way to locate the bruise. The affected area must be pared away with a hoof knife (DeBowes and Yovich, 1989). If deep, the hoof must be soaked and bandaged. Again, prevention of these bruises is best managed through proper hoof care. If the problem results from poor conformation the bruises will be harder to prevent.