White Line Disease in Horses

[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