Horse hoof ulcer: symptoms, causes & the best treatment

What is a hoof ulcer?

A hoof ulcer is a painful, purulent inflammation in the hoof corium of a horse. It is caused by an infection or mechanical irritation that leads to local tissue damage. The pressure of the accumulated pus causes severe pain and often sudden, severe lameness.

Hoof ulcer vs. hoof abscess - Is there a difference?

What is the difference between a hoof ulcer and a hoof abscess? The terms hoof ulcer and hoof abscess are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences:

• Hoof ulcer generally refers to a purulent inflammation within the hoof capsule.
• Hoof abscess is often used to describe an advanced condition in which pus has already accumulated under the hoof corium and is causing pressure.

In everyday language, however, the two terms are largely synonymous.

How does a hoof ulcer develop?

The development mechanism of a hoof ulcer usually follows a three-stage process:

1. Entry point for bacteria:
   Tiny cracks, nail holes (in shod horses) or injuries allow bacteria to penetrate the hoof leather. Excessive strain on the hoof can also lead to micro-injuries that promote infection.
2. Inflammatory reaction & pus formation:
   The immune system reacts to the invading germs with a local inflammation. Pus forms, which accumulates in the tissue and exerts pressure on the surrounding tissue.
3. Painful pressure build-up & lameness:
   As the hoof is surrounded by a solid horn capsule, the pus cannot simply drain away. The increasing pressure causes severe pain, which leads to sudden lameness. Without treatment, the pus may eventually seek a breakthrough at the sole of the hoof or the coronet band.

Superficial vs. deep hoof ulcer

Depending on the location and severity, a distinction is made between two forms:

‍Causes

Why does a horse get a hoof ulcer? A hoof ulcer is usually caused by bacteria penetrating the hoof corium. The causes are varied and range from mechanical influences to internal factors such as metabolic disorders. The decisive factor is that the infection spreads in the enclosed space of the horn capsule, causing pus to form and creating painful pressure.

A hoof ulcer can be triggered by various factors. Mechanical influences such as foreign bodies, pressure points caused by incorrect shoeing or cracks in the hoof wall provide an entry point for bacteria. Infectious causes are often caused by damp and unhygienic stable conditions, which soften the hoof horn and favor the penetration of germs. In addition, metabolic disorders such as EMS or Cushing's disease as well as the body's own detoxification processes can promote inflammation in the hoof corium. The following table summarizes the most common causes of hoof ulcers:

The interplay of these different causes shows that hoof ulcers are not only caused by external injuries, but can also be promoted by long-term factors such as metabolic problems or poor husbandry conditions. It is therefore important to keep an eye on both hoof care and the overall health of the horse. In the next section, we will look at how a hoof ulcer manifests itself and what the typical symptoms are.

Symptoms: Recognizing hoof ulcers

Is your horse suddenly lame? A hoof ulcer usually manifests itself in sudden and severe lameness. As the pus is trapped in the solid hoof capsule, there is a lot of pressure on the surrounding tissue, which can be extremely painful for the horse. Symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity, but some signs are particularly typical.

Typical signs of a hoof ulcer

The most common symptoms that indicate a hoof ulcer are:

• Sudden lameness: The horse hardly steps on the affected hoof, if at all. In severe cases, the leg is completely relieved.
• Warmth in the affected hoof: The hoof feels significantly warmer compared to the others. This is particularly noticeable on the sole of the hoof or on the coronet band.
• Increased pulsation at the fetlock joint: The so-called "hanging pulsation" is a sign of inflammation. The pulse can be felt more strongly in the arteries above the fetlock joint.
• Swelling of the leg: Depending on the location of the hoof ulcer, the entire leg may swell. In the case of deep-seated abscesses, the inflammation rises towards the fetlock and coronet band.
• Sensitivity when pressing the hoof: The pain point can usually be precisely localized with hoof nippers. The affected areas of the sole or frog are particularly sensitive to pressure.

Hoof ulcer: Diagnosis

Since a hoof ulcer often causes sudden and severe lameness, a thorough examination is required to determine the exact cause. In many cases, the combination of lameness, pulsation and hoof heat can already indicate a hoof ulcer. However, specific examination methods are necessary to obtain certainty.

Initial examinations by the owner

Before consulting a vet or farrier, horse owners can check some of the first signs themselves:

• Does the affected hoof feel warmer than the others?
• Is the pulsation at the crook of the fetlock more noticeable?
• Does the horse show pain when stepping or does it lift its hoof frequently?

If several of these symptoms occur, it is advisable to have a specialist examination carried out as soon as possible.

Methods for diagnosing a hoof ulcer

A hoof ulcer can be reliably diagnosed using the following examination methods:

When should the vet be consulted?

In many cases, a hoof ulcer can be treated by an experienced farrier. However, a visit to the vet is necessary if:

• The hoof ulcer is deep-seated or cannot be found.
• The horse is severely lame without a clear cause being recognizable.
• The leg swells excessively or a fever occurs.
• The hoof ulcer does not heal despite treatment or continues to spread.

Early and targeted diagnosis is crucial to enable rapid healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Treating hoof ulcers

A hoof ulcer is extremely painful for the horse, but can be treated well in most cases with the right treatment. The aim is to drain the pus from the hoof capsule, control the infection and promote rapid healing.

Allowing the hoof ulcer to mature: Myth or truth?

There is a persistent assumption that a hoof ulcer must first "mature" before it can be treated. In fact, this depends on the location and progress of the inflammation:

• In the case of superficial hoof ulcers, early opening by the farrier or vet can speed up healing.
• Deep or immature hoof ulcers often require a warm hoof bath or moist bandages to draw the pus outwards.

Waiting too long can be problematic, as the pressure in the hoof tissue increases and the infection can spread further.

How is a hoof ulcer opened?

A hoof ulcer is opened in several steps:

1. Localization of the pain point by pressing with the hoof tongs.
2. Carefully cut out the affected area of the hoof sole or the white line.
3. Relief of the pus as soon as the affected area is opened.
4. Thorough cleaning to remove bacteria from the wound.

If the hoof ulcer wants to push through to the coronet band, patience is often required. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to stop the infection.

Hoof dressing & hoof bath: The right aftercare

After opening a hoof ulcer, proper aftercare is crucial for rapid healing:

• Moist hoof dressings with traction ointment (e.g. Ichtholan or Betaisodona) help to draw the remaining pus out of the wound.
• Dry hoof dressings protect the wound from re-infection once it has completely drained.
• Disinfecting foot baths (e.g. with curd soap or special solutions) support the healing process.

Depending on the severity, wound healing takes between a few days and two weeks.

Home remedies vs. medical treatment

What really helps with hoof ulcers? There are various home remedies that can be used to support the treatment of a hoof ulcer:

Home remedies can be used as a support, but are no substitute for professional treatment by a farrier or vet.

When is an antibiotic necessary?

In most cases, a hoof ulcer heals on its own after opening. However, an antibiotic is necessary if:

• The infection has penetrated deep into the tissue.
• The horse develops a fever or shows severe swelling.
• The hoof bandage brings no improvement and the inflammation continues to increase.

Antibiotics should only be used after consultation with the vet in order to avoid resistance.

How long does it take for a hoof ulcer to heal?

The healing time depends on several factors, in particular the location and severity of the hoof ulcer.

• Mild hoof ulcers often heal within 3 to 7 days.
• Deeper or complicated cases can take up to 14 days or longer.

As soon as the horse is pain-free again and there are no more signs of inflammation, it can be slowly reintegrated into training.

How long does a hoof ulcer last?

The healing time of a hoof ulcer can vary greatly and depends on several factors. The decisive factor is how early the hoof ulcer is detected and treated. In many cases, there is a clear improvement after a few days, but deeper or more complicated hoof ulcers can take several weeks to heal. As a general rule, the faster the pus is drained and the wound is kept clean, the shorter the healing time.

If the hoof ulcer is recognized in the early stages and opened directly, the pain can usually subside significantly within one to three days. The horse can walk normally again and, with appropriate care, the wound heals within a few days. If the abscess is deeper or has been undetected for a long time, it can take up to ten days for the tissue to fully regenerate. In particularly severe cases, for example if the hoof ulcer spreads towards the coronet band or causes massive inflammation, it can take two weeks or longer to heal.

Proper aftercare plays a crucial role: regular hoof dressings, clean bedding and controlled exercise promote healing. Stopping treatment too early can cause the infection to spread again and unnecessarily prolong the healing process.

When can the horse be ridden again?

After a hoof ulcer, it is important to give the horse sufficient time to regenerate before it is fully loaded again. The decisive factor is not only whether the horse can walk without pain, but also whether the wound has healed completely. Riding too soon can irritate the sensitive tissue, delay healing and, in the worst case, cause a new inflammation.

A good guide is that the horse should be pain-free for at least a few days before light exercise is started. Hand work or walks on soft ground can help to promote blood circulation and support the healing process. If a lot of horn was removed when the hoof was trimmed or the affected area is particularly sensitive, it may be useful to use a hoof boot for a transitional period to cushion the impact.

In principle, a horse can often be worked regularly again after an uncomplicated hoof ulcer after one to two weeks. However, deeper hoof ulcers or those that have been associated with complications may require a longer break. To be on the safe side, you should check that the horse is no longer lame, even on harder ground or when turning, before riding it for the first time.

Long-term consequences of poor treatment

If a hoof ulcer is not treated in time or not treated correctly, it can lead to serious problems. An untreated or incompletely healed hoof ulcer can penetrate deeper into the tissue and cause chronic inflammation. In such cases, recurring lameness occurs and the horse's mobility may be restricted in the long term.

It is particularly problematic if the pus does not drain through the sole of the hoof, but instead works its way up towards the coronet band. In these cases, it can not only take longer for the abscess to break through, but the horn quality can also be permanently impaired. Inadequate wound hygiene can lead to the infection spreading and damaging the surrounding hoof leather. In severe cases, this can develop into chronic inflammation of the hoof corium, which can disrupt horn formation in the long term.

Scarring of the hoof horn is also a possible consequence. If the new horn does not grow back evenly or remains weakened, the horse can become more susceptible to further hoof problems. It is therefore important not only to take acute treatment seriously, but also to ensure that the wound heals completely and the hoof remains stable in the long term.

The best strategy against such late effects is early, consistent treatment and good hoof care. If you regularly check your horse's hooves and pay attention to small changes, you can help prevent hoof ulcers from developing in the first place or treat them quickly.

Preventing ulcers

Hoof ulcers are not only painful for the horse, but also require extensive treatment and a longer recovery period. To prevent them from occurring in the first place, it is important to ensure a combination of regular hoof care, healthy husbandry and appropriate feeding. The right measures can significantly reduce the risk of hoof ulcers.

‍Optimalhoof care & stable hygiene

Regular and professional hoof care is one of the most important measures to prevent hoof ulcers. Horses' hooves grow continuously and should be checked and trimmed by a farrier or hoof trimmer every six to eight weeks. This will even out any unevenness, prevent cracks and detect possible pressure points at an early stage.

In addition to professional treatment, daily checks play a crucial role. By scraping the hooves daily, small stones or foreign bodies can be removed before they bore into the hoof horn and cause an infection. Particularly on damp or muddy ground, care should be taken to ensure that no soil or dirt gets stuck in the frog furrows.

Stable hygiene also makes a significant contribution to hoof health. Dry and clean bedding prevents moisture and bacteria from accumulating in the hoof. Urine containing ammonia in particular can attack the hoof horn and make it softer and more susceptible to infection. Regular mucking out and well-ventilated surfaces, both in the box and in the paddock, help to keep the hooves healthy.

Feeding & metabolic support

The horse's diet has a direct influence on the quality of the hoof horn and therefore also on its susceptibility to hoof ulcers. A balanced diet with sufficient minerals and trace elements strengthens the hoof structure and promotes healthy horn formation.

Particularly important for hoof health are:
✔ Biotin, zinc and copper: These nutrients play a central role in horn formation and should be present in sufficient quantities in the feed.
✔ Amino acids such as methionine: Essential for the formation of keratin, the main component of the hoof horn.
✔ Omega-3 fatty acids: Support blood circulation and ensure an elastic, resistant hoof horn.

Horses with metabolic problems such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Cushing's are particularly susceptible to hoof problems. An adapted diet with reduced starch and sugar content and regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of hoof ulcers.

The water supply also plays a role: too little water can make the horn brittle, while too much moisture - due to muddy paddocks, for example - softens the hooves and makes them more susceptible to bacteria.

Hoof protection - bare hoof vs. shoeing

The choice between bare hoof and shoeing has a major influence on hoof health and should be individually tailored to the horse. Both options have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to preventing hoof ulcers.

Bare hoof:

• Promotes the hoof's natural blood circulation and self-cleaning.
• Reduces the risk of pressure points caused by poorly fitting irons or nails.
• However, this requires regular and correct hoof trimming to avoid incorrect loading.

Fitting:

• Provides protection on hard or stony ground, which can be helpful for sensitive horses.
• However, it can stiffen the hoof horn and increase the risk of pressure points or indented hoof nails.
• Should be regularly checked and professionally adjusted to avoid negative effects.

Alternatives such as hoof boots can be a flexible solution to temporarily protect the hoof without the permanent restriction of shoeing.

A combination of regular hoof care, optimal feeding and an individual hoof protection solution can significantly reduce the risk of hoof ulcers.

‍Hoof ulcer: Summarized

Hoof ulcers are one of the most common causes of lameness in horses, but can be managed well with the right prevention, early detection and treatment. It is crucial that horse owners recognize the first signs such as lameness, hoof warmth and increased pulsation at an early stage and act accordingly.

There are many causes of hoof ulcers. Mechanical influences such as foreign bodies or pressure points due to incorrect shoeing, infectious factors such as moisture and bacteria as well as metabolic problems all play a role. Correct diagnosis by a vet or farrier is essential in order to precisely localize the point of pain and treat the hoof ulcer in a targeted manner.

During treatment, it is important to drain the pus, keep the wound clean and support the healing process with moist or dry hoof dressings. In most cases, the horse recovers within a few days, but deep-seated or untreated hoof ulcers can lead to long-term problems.

However, the best strategy against hoof ulcers is effective prevention. Regular hoof care, a dry and clean stable environment and a balanced diet with sufficient nutrients strengthen hoof health. Whether a horse should be barehoofed or shod depends on its individual needs - in any case, regular checks by the farrier are important.

If you keep a close eye on your horse, look out for warning signs and act in good time, you can recognize hoof ulcers early on and shorten the healing time. Healthy hoof care and optimal husbandry are the best protection against this painful disease.

Hoof ulcer: The most important questions and answers

Which globules help with a hoof ulcer in horses?

‍Inhomeopathic treatment, Hepar sulfuris D6 is often used to support the maturation of pus and Silicea D12 to promote wound healing. However, a vet or veterinary practitioner should be consulted before use to determine the correct dosage and choice of remedy.

Why does a horse get a hoof ulcer?

‍Ahoof ulcer is usually caused by bacteria penetrating the hoof corium. This can be facilitated by mechanical causes such as foreign bodies, pressure points or cracks in the hoof wall. Moisture, poor stable hygiene or metabolic diseases can also increase the risk of hoof ulcers.

How do you recognize a hoof ulcer in a horse?

‍Typicalsigns are sudden lameness, increased pulsation at the fetlock bend and a noticeable warmth in the affected hoof. The horse often lifts the leg more or relieves the affected hoof. A targeted examination with hoof nippers helps to precisely localize the point of pain.

What to do if a horse has a hoof ulcer?

‍Ahoof ulcer should be opened as quickly as possible to relieve the accumulated pus. To do this, a farrier or vet can carefully excise the affected area. Moist hoof dressings with traction ointment help to draw out the pus. After draining, the hoof must be kept clean and protected from re-infection.

How do I recognize a hoof ulcer in a horse?

‍Inaddition to sudden lameness, symptoms such as hoof warmth, increased pulsation and swelling in the hoof area are common signs. The horse often shows significant pain when stepping or refuses to give hooves. An examination with hoof nippers provides information about the exact location of the hoof ulcer.

Why is Rivanol used for a hoof ulcer?

‍Rivanolhas an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect and is often used in the form of hoof dressings to disinfect the wound and prevent infection. It helps to keep the affected area clean and supports healing after the hoof ulcer has been opened.

How long does a sprue dressing last for a hoof ulcer?

‍Asprue dressing should be changed several times a day for the first few days in order to keep the wound clean and continue to supply moisture. Depending on the progress of healing, it can later be replaced every 24 hours. As soon as the pus has drained completely, the dressing is usually changed to a dry protective dressing.

How long does a Rivanol dressing last for a hoof ulcer?

‍ARivanol dressing can remain on the hoof for about 12 to 24 hours before it should be renewed. It is important to check the wound regularly and ensure that no new inflammation develops.

Is a hoof ulcer bad?

‍Ahoof ulcer is a very painful but usually easily treatable condition. If it is detected early and treated correctly, it usually heals within a few days to weeks. It becomes problematic if the hoof ulcer does not break through or the infection continues to spread. In rare cases, it can lead to chronic hoof problems or more serious infections.