A singular case of total traumatic hoof avulsion in a horse: treatment and outcome

Total traumatic hoof avulsion is a rare condition in horses. Hoof avulsion can be caused by acute injuries or achieved in the surgical treatment (ablation) of high scale laminitis. Decreasing motion at the affected site and hoof stabilization are essential to obtain a successful outcome. Complete avulsion may be treated by daily cleaning and bandaging but if the wound is unstable or large defect is present cast application is recommended. Normally casts are left in place from 2 to 3 weeks and changes are frequently required before wound is completely healed. The aim of this work is to describe a case of total traumatic hoof avulsion complicated by an open fracture of the third phalanx in a horse, the treatment and the present encouraging outcome

A singular case of traumatic total hoof capsule avulsion

Total, full thickness hoof wall avulsion is rare in horses. Sometimes complications such as fracture of the distal phalanx, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and degenerative joint disease have been reported. Limiting motion at the affected site and hoof stabilisation are essential to obtain a good hoof regeneration. This case report reviews the clinical features including diagnostic techniques (radiographic examination and venography) of a Quarter Horse filly presented with a complete and full-thickness traumatic hoof capsule avulsion complicated by an open fracture of the third phalanx. A transfixation casting technique was performed followed after one month by 2 short limb casts applied for 2 months each. Twenty-four months after trauma the foot had completely regrown. The dorsal aspect of the hoof wall appears to be remarkably shorter compared to the heels. From a radiographic viewpoint, the lateral aspect of the left hind foot shows diffuse bone remodelling and a deformed distal phalan