A bruise is an injury in which the rupture of local capillaries results in tissue discoloration without a break in the overlying epidermal tissue. In horses, the hoof capsule can become bruised in the sole, laminae, frog, hoof wall, coronary band, and heel bulbs.
Etiology and Pathophysiology of Hoof Capsule Bruising in Horses
Bruising of the hoof capsule in horses is usually due to local or generalized blunt trauma; however, it can also be due to shear force trauma. The trauma can occur as a single forceful event or in a recurrent mild form.
Bruising as a result of mild recurrent trauma is commonly associated with conformational or pathological predispositions. Bruising associated with shoeing is often the result of sole pressure, improperly fitted shoes, or a too-long shoeing interval.
Bruising in the angle of the sole is commonly referred to as “corns.” Injury to the small blood vessels results in the formation of a hematoma between tissue layers that causes discoloration of the horn as it grows out.
Unlike skin bruising, hemorrhage that extends into the hoof capsule of a horse remains red and is not visible until the affected horn reaches the superficial layers through normal growth.
Clinical Presentation of Hoof Capsule Bruising in Horses
Bruising of the hoof capsule in a horse may or may not result in lameness. If lameness is present as a result of bruising, it can vary in duration, severity, and number of limbs affected. Often, bruising is identified during routine farrier work, and often it is an incidental finding that may be secondary to an underlying conformational or pathological condition.
Diagnosis of Hoof Capsule Bruising in Horses
Cleaning and light paring of the hoof can be necessary to visualize bruising. Bruising that is deep within the hoof capsule may not be identified until the hemorrhage becomes more superficial as the hoof grows.
By the time the hemorrhage is visible, any acute pain has subsided. However, sensitivity to hoof testers in the region of the bruise indicates a current problem.
Radiography may reveal changes to the margins of the coffin bone that are consistent with pedal osteitis in the case of chronic bruising.
Treatment and Management of Hoof Capsule Bruising in Horses
The treatment of hoof capsule bruising in horses varies depending on the cause. The main goals of treatment are to remove the cause (if identifiable) and to manage pain. When they occur in the sole, these are often referred to as “stone bruises” and generally require only rest and NSAIDs. If bruising is recurrent, as a result of chronic low-grade trauma from flat or thin soles, shoeing with the goal of protecting the affected area may be needed.
The prognosis for cases of hoof capsule bruising depends on the cause:
For an isolated event without complications, the prognosis is generally good.
If conformation or concurrent disease is implicated as the cause of bruising, the prognosis for recovery without recurrence is guarded.
Bruises may become infected and develop into abscesses.
For More Information
Also see pet health content sole bruises and abscesses in horses.
