Mike Workman, CJF providing corrective shoeing for balance and performance in and around Southern Pines North Carolina
02/14/2025
Hoof Wall Resection
Last week a case came into Denali Equine for debridement and treatment of severe white line disease (WLD). This horse had suffered with this condition for over two years, with periods of lameness and recurrent abscesses. He had partial debridement procedures done prior to coming to Denali Equine, however there was never complete resolution of the condition.
First step was to rule out underlying diseases like PPID and IR. Further we had to ensure the horse did not have pedal osteomyelitis (or infection of the coffin bone), quittor, or any ongoing signs of laminitis. Thankfully none of these conditions were found.
There are key principles to resolving WLD:
• Environmental changes
• Complete exposure of diseased white line and hoof- until healthy tissue is found.
• Allow oxygen and medications to reach the infections.
• Support the healthy remaining tissues (and opposing limb) from the significant changes to the foot.
• Maintain a very clean hoof to allow healthy growth
• Nutritional support
This horse had multiple tracks and pockets of infections, that needed to be exposed. There was a clear more superficial pocket. However, there was a deeper pocket hiding under what looked like normal hoof- this pocket was likely the recurrent cause of infections and hoof breakdown. The first debridement was done, then the foot was bandaged for 48 hours prior to applying a shoe. The shoe was chosen to provide protection, load sharing and biomechanical help to the hoof. A hand-made, deep seated, straight bar shoe with a roll toe and a caudal pour of equipack was applied. The hoof was cleaned and bandaged daily.
Approximately one week after, we decided to do a further debridement of more dorsally affected hoof. We used radiographs to guide how far we needed to debride.
Thankfully the case is progressing well, and the horse is significantly more comfortable. This case will have to be carefully managed for the next several months while the hoof grows.
We are grateful to the referring farrier, full team of veterinarians, staff and dedicated owners that make these cases possible.
Denali Equine
