22/01/2016
Key:
Important structures affected by the nails:
a) coffin bone pe*******on
b) Deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) pe*******on
c) Coffin joint and DDFT pe*******on
d) DDFT, navicular bursa and navicular bone pe*******on
e) tendon sheath pe*******on
f) digital cushion pe*******on (less serious)
Follow up Answer to Nail in Foot Case Study:
There are many important and sensitive structures that are in the hoof capsule that if infected could potentially affect long term soundness and even be life threatening to your horse. It is impossible to tell where a nail is traveling by the look of the nail from the outside of the foot. The most concerning structures a nail could pe*****te are: 1) The coffin joint 2) the navicular bursa (a bursa is a joint like structure that eases the motion of a tendon over a bony structure) 3) tendon sheath (a tendon sheath is another joint like structure that eases and lubricates the motion of tendons) 4) the deep digital flexor tendon- this tendon runs down the back of the leg, enters the hoof capsule runs behind the navicular bone and attaches on the bottom of the coffin bone 5) the coffin bone. In this case it is very possible this nail is penetrating both the deep digital flexor tendon as well as the navicular bursa. Infection of any of the 5 things above can lead to life threatening complications if aggressive treatment is not provided therefore it is imperative that your veterinarian know where the nail has traveled and what structures could possibly be involved. Some nails can be removed, the foot treated for a routine abscess and very easily resolved. Some nails can necessitate surgery and hospital care so that the horse has the best chance at soundness and survival. Take home message: if you find a nail in your horse's foot, call the vet immediately and have radiographs taken so that the best possible care can be provided to your horse.
British trained Farrier. Throughout my whole life I have been involved with horses, from pony club to my four and a half year farriery apprenticeship.
