Hoof Bruises are Always a Big Deal

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:

Bruises
Laminitis (Read more about laminitis signs here and laminitis risk factors here)
Fractures
Abscess
Puncture
Foreign Object – like a nail or screw. PS – This is life-threatening, call the vet ASAP Read more…
Horrible infection
Hot nails

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.

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.

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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