[ad_1]
The hooves are the most used parts of a horse’s body. They are ever vulnerable to the wear, tear, and various other fatal infections. One such fungal infection is the White Line disease. It is also known as Hollow Foot, Seedy Toe, and Wall Thrush. Medically, the White Line disease is termed as Onychomycosis (Latin: onyx means nail, myke means fungus, and osis means condition).
Description of the Disease
The hoof wall has 3 layers – external, middle, & internal. External wall forms the outer covering. The middle layer consists of the horn tubules providing speed and elasticity to the hoof. The internal layer consists of 600 tissue extensions, interlocked with the sensitive lamina called stratum lamellatum. This lamina protects the coffin bone, sensitive cartilages, and the other sensitive parts of the hoof. White Line or Zona Lamellatum is the junction between the hoof wall and the sole. The bacteria or fungi attack the horn tubules, which are distant from the blood vessels. This sets in the infection. Consequently, the hoof wall is separated from the sensitive lamina resulting in:
The reduction of weight support between the hoof & the hoof wall
The other hoof complications, like bulging, swelling, etc.
Causes
The bacterial or fungal infection attacks through a crack or a fissure in the hoof. The hot and humid environment allows the fungi to survive for long, causing more damage, like:
Tear in the medium layer from Laminitis
Acute trauma from forward extended toes, which causes lamina tissues to extend and become unhealthy
Sole or toe bruising adjacent to the white line, causing blood clots
Loss of shoe
Improper trimming
Poor nutrition
Symptoms
Separation between the hoof and the sole
Partial removal of the hoof
Tenderness or flattening in the sole
A hollow sound of the hoof
Diagnosis
The disease is diagnosed with the help of X-ray examination.
Treatment
The affected external layer or the outer hoof wall is removed to expose the wound fully to light & air
Damaged tissues are removed fortnightly until a solid junction forms between the lamina & the hoof wall
Medicines like Betadine, fungi dye, merthiolate, etc., can be applied to the wound.
Metallic shoes are used to bandage or protect the affected hooves. The shoes are screwed to the outer hoof wall.
Precautions
Timely hoof care
Employing the soaks of Clorox, copper sulfate, etc.
Ensuring enough sunlight & cleanliness in the stable or ranches
Disinfection of the trimming instruments
Proper nutrition of the horse
