The Dreaded Toe Crack

It can be very frustrating to have a horse that is prone to hoof cracks which are persistent.
Toe cracks can persist for a very long time (months and sometimes even years), without curing completely. These cracks are deemed a nuisance and although they may seem like cosmetic defects, they can cause lameness in a horse; or worse, affect the shoe function.

There are many treatments for hoof cracks which have been traditionally administered, such as notching or otherwise relieving pressure. The former involves filing or grating horizontally to stop the crack from advancing up the hoof capsule, while the latter applies a small branding iron shaped like a crescent, on the crack top to seal the crack, preventing further deterioration. Both methods are meant to relieve the crack at its onset to prevent further damage as well as allowing the foot to heal.

Not only is a proper understanding of the function of the hoof wall necessary to healing, an environment conducive to healing is imperative for complete recovery to happen.

How Cracks Happen
Toe cracks are normally found in brood stock or sport horses, and are due to mechanical failure. When the anterior or posterior balance of the horse is abnormal, a long toe will develop with under-run heel and saggy soles. The whole system fails when the bone pulls the laminae off the weakened wall. The cracks tend to close tightly by folding on the laminae which can cause pain and permanent scarring.

Treating the Cracks
Either you or a competent farrier can balance the trim properly when shoeing your horse to avoid cracks. If a crack crops up, use a hoof disinfectant to cleanse the foot of any harmful bacteria. Use an effective and deep penetrating cleanser for the treatment, with a daily application of topical anti-bacterial solution that has no necrotizing ingredients, such as formaldehyde or bleach.

Going shoeless is a last option treatment for toe cracks. If a balanced foot has plenty of exercise, the intertubular horn and inner wall will be healthy, eliminating possible foot cracks. Firm and smooth surfaces will develop on the inner wall as well as allow correct distortion to happen, which apply the proper pressure for good growth. An eight week exercise routine of 20 minutes hand walking every day will show proof of a healthy growing hoof wall.

Dieting Factor
Have a well balanced diet program to avoid or to cure cracks. Ensure that the intake of calcium and phosphorus is balanced with a ratio of 1.6:1. Avoid feeding excessive selenium, copper or calcium, although the recommended dosages are helpful to have in the diet. Symptoms of selenium deficiency or toxicity are a poor quality horn, loss of mane, a dull coat, or loss of tail hair. Consult your veterinarian for a correctly balanced diet to keep your horse free from cracks.

Summary
If you provide an environment that is clean and dry, your horses’ hooves will be free from cracks. Develop a properly balanced foot and diet, treat infections quickly, and exercise your horse sufficiently with your horse shoeless.