10/13/2019
Exclusively Equine Veterinary Service
*WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED*
One Week Old Filly with Complete Hoof Avulsion
This 1-week old thoroughbred filly presented approximately 2 weeks ago after she was found in the paddock non-weight bearing with blood coming from her hoof.
The hoof was very painful, so she needed to be sedated for us to examine her properly. After gentle cleaning of the hoof with 2% iodine it became apparent that her entire hoof capsule had been removed and that the blood was coming from the vessels from the coronary vein and artery in the corium.
The coronary band was intact however, the laminar, solar, and frog corium were completely exposed. The distal tip of the pedal bone was also exposed. We applied a modified Robert Jones bandage to act as a protective splint. Antibiotics, pain relief, and tetanus anti-toxoid were administered, and the foal was transported to the clinic for further work-up.
Once at the clinic radiographs were taken to rule out any fractures and we designed a corrective shoe to build a cast around. The foal was placed on our foal mattress in lateral recumbency and the bandage was removed. The leg was cleaned and a nerve block was placed.
The corium was lavaged with large quantities of 2% iodine and then dressed with jelonet. The hoof and leg were then padded with cotton wool and held in place with a bandage. The custom-made shoe was then positioned, and the cast was applied.
We removed the cast last Sunday and were very happy to see the hoof has already grown by approximately 5mm. Another cast was applied, and the plan is for this one to stay on for the next 2 weeks. She very happy and comfortable and while her prognosis is still guarded, weโre very pleased with her progress.