11/05/2025
Progress on a canker case (I will share a video in the comments from when the canker was first discovered).
Dove here has had quite a history of hoof problems and this summer her frogs began to present with a soft, squishy texture. Initially we treated them for thrush but upon my next visit it was clear that what we were dealing with was far from routine. With veterinary intervention, a dedicated owner providing daily care and a lot of brainstorming, Dove is feeling much better now.
Canker is a painful condition that typically invades the soft tissues first but can spread to other parts of the hoof. The cause is unknown but I believe there is a circulatory component in many cases including this one. Dove has contracted heels and tends to retain dead sole, essentially her hoof function has been compromised over time and I believe this contributed to her developing canker among some of the other hoof problems she has suffered from. The right front pictured was her worst foot, but she did ultimately develop canker in all four.
Treatment of canker involves applying a medicated powder and keeping the feet clean, dry, and wrapped in a boot, which unfortunately also leads to retention of dead material and a lack of circulation. Thankfully Dove's owner stepped up to the plate and learned to rasp her hooves in between appointments to simulate the wear she was lacking. This worked incredibly well and Dove is now exfoliating sole again and regaining her natural concavity. The canker has cleared up in 3 out of 4 feet (the last foot to develop it is still being treated for a few more weeks) and going forward we will continue trimming to encourage soft tissue development and her owner is also making modifications to her pen to encourage movement.
