Hoof bruises are always a big deal for horses.

 

Hoof bruises are nothing to glaze over and hope they get better. Your veterinarian can help you figure it out, and come up with a treatment plan that makes you and your horse happy and comfortable. The problem with hoof “stuff” is that many things look like many things – so it’s impossible without your veterinarian. Hoof bruises are often hidden under a layer of the sole, so you might not even see the bruise.

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Causes of hoof bruising:

 

  • Any trauma to the hoof can cause a bruise.  More commonly found causes include:

 

    • impact with a stone or other hard structure
    • exercise on hard ground
    • improper trimming and/or shoeing
    • thin soles are a contributing factor and increase the risk of brusising

 

Signs of hoof bruising:

 

  • Your horse is tender-footed and reluctant to move forward
  • Obvious lameness
  • Walking gingerly, especially on hard surfaces
  • Heat in the hoof
  • Strong or bounding digital pulse

 

What these things are a sign of:

 

 

Call the vet 

 

  • Because a few of these hoof conditions are life-threatening, like a nail in the hoof, laminitis, and severe lameness, do NOT mess around and wait to call your vet.

 

  • You should also know that some seemingly minor things can lead to bigger and more horrible complications, not to mention some huge vet bills. Also, know that your Farrier is awesome at his job, but his job does not include diagnosis, treatment plans, medications, or working with the soft tissue of a hoof.

 

hoof bruising along the hoof wall

Notice the pink border along this hoof. That’s a bruise.

 

What do hoof bruises look like?

 

  • Bruises can show up as hot pink, red, or purple on the hoof wall or sole, or even along the edge around the white line.

 

  • Some bruises are not obvious. Sometimes your vet will need to pull a shoe, trim some of the hoof, or do more digging if an abscess is suspected. Bruises in your horse’s hoof are similar to a bruise on your leg – lots of broken blood vessels, swelling, and pain.

 

Hoof bruises also run the gamut from mild and not lame, to horribly painful and very lame.

 

  • Some bruises take a few days to heal, others take weeks. Some are caused by bad footing, some are caused by a rogue rock, some are caused by a frolic down a hard and unforgiving surface, some bruises are the result of a too-short trim.

 

  • Treatments include stall rest, time, anti-inflammatory agents, icing, hoof packings like magna paste, protective boots, or padded shoes.

 

hoof boot support pads

Boots and boot inserts/pads can help your horse be more comfortable!

 

Complications from hoof bruises can include abscesses and even laminitis.

 

  • Horses plagued with hoof bruises may have underlying causes, like thin soles or low-grade laminitis. The bottom line (bet you thought this article wouldn’t have any bad jokes…) is that sole bruising stinks – and it’s best to get your veterinarian involved as soon as possible.

 

 

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Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you.  You can also visit my Amazon storefront here:  PEG storefront.

The Essential Hoof Book: The Complete Modern Guide to Horse Feet BOOK
$45.00 $29.36

If hooves are your jam, this book is for you. 

11/12/2024 11:38 pm GMT
EASYCARE Easyboot Rx Therapy
$80.95

For added squish during laminitis or other painful hoof trauma.

11/12/2024 11:48 pm GMT
Magic Cushion Hoof Packing 4LBS
$54.59

The gold standard for stinging hooves and anytime you need to pack the hooves.

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EasyCare Easyboot Cloud Hoof Boot
$103.95

Support and softness for laminitis and other painful hoof conditions.

11/12/2024 11:48 pm GMT
Grand Circuit White Lightning Liquid (64 oz)
$109.60 $101.99

Buy bulk and save! This is great for stubborn hoof infections like seedy toe and thrush.

11/12/2024 11:52 pm GMT
Quiessence (Large-14 lbs)
$85.98

This supplement helps high-laminitis risk horses and has calming ingredients like magnesium.

11/12/2024 11:48 pm GMT
Professional's Choice Ballistic No-Turn Overreach Bell Boots
$33.99

The gold standard for bell boots in a rainbow of colors.

11/13/2024 09:23 am GMT
Cavallo Horse & Rider Sport Regular Sole Hoof Boot
$169.85 $149.51

These boots are my favorite for wrapping hooves with poultice or clay and a diaper. No more duct tape boots! You can also use inserts with these for more squish.

11/12/2024 11:33 pm GMT
Cavallo Simple Hoof Boot for Horses, Size 3, Black
$182.93

This style is great to protect the hoof, but is not soft and squishy for laminitis cases.

11/13/2024 12:04 am GMT
CHALLENGER Crease Nail Puller Shoe
$42.99

Using this makes shoe removal easy!

11/13/2024 09:03 am GMT
EASYCARE Easyboot Glove Soft Hoof Boot for Horses, Neoprene, Elastic Gaiter, All-Terrain Tread (2)
$93.95 $81.31

These boots are great for protecting barefoot horses.

11/13/2024 04:24 am GMT
Silver Bells - Sox For Horses

For hoof protection when equine pastern dermatitis is a risk.

Durasole
$16.40 $14.67
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Handson Ergonomic Hoof Pick
$19.99

This is the strongest hoof pick available!

11/13/2024 03:57 am GMT

 

Thank you!

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