Horse Health

Post shoeing trauma

Applying shoes to horses hooves may cause trauma.

Nails that are correctly inserted in the hoof pass through the horn, which is insensitive tissue. However, sensitive structures are located very close by. When a nail inadvertently punctures this adjacent sensitive tissue it can introduce bacteria and cause an abscess to occur.

Clenches can also be done up excessively tight, causing pressure on adjacent sensitive structures. This is similar to wearing a pair of shoes that are too small.

When a nail inadvertently punctures sensitive tissue it can introduce bacteria and cause an abscess to occur.