Equine

No Foot, No Horse: Surgical Conditions of the Equine Foot

Published

8 months ago

September 3, 2025

By Garrett Metcalf, DVM

There is a wise old saying, “No foot, no horse,” and that is absolutely true. Horses of all breeds, disciplines, and sizes must have healthy feet, or they will suffer from poor performance, chronic pain, or, worse, succumb to diseases of the foot. Several medical conditions require surgical treatment within the hoof wall of the horse, and this article will highlight the most common conditions that necessitate surgical intervention and specialty farrier care.

Foot Abscesses

Foot abscesses are a very common issue that nearly every horse may experience at some point in their lifetime. While abscesses are often minor issues that can be easily corrected by a farrier or veterinarian, allowing access to the abscess for drainage, they can also be debilitating and sometimes serious. Abscesses are localized pockets of infection that find their way into the sole or white line of the foot. These abscesses often form due to structural abnormalities in the foot, trauma leading to bleeding under the sole, improper hoof care that creates abnormal forces on the foot, or, of course, the old hot nail.

For example, trimming the foot without relieving enough sole pressure can overload the sole, leading to bruising and setting up an abscess. Other common foot abnormalities that lead to abscessation are laminitis and club feet. These conditions can cause tearing and stretching of the white line, allowing bacteria and moisture to enter deeper into the foot. In some cases, this can destabilize an already unhealthy foot, leading to a life-threatening situation. Deep abscesses that go untreated for days or weeks can continue to invade and dissect through tissue planes, forming larger abscesses. These large abscesses may require surgical intervention to prevent spreading and to eliminate the infection completely.

Pedal Bone Osteitis

The pedal bone, or coffin bone, is unique compared to other bones in the horse. It is a porous bone that is intimately attached to the foot capsule and sole. The bone and the hoof tissue have a high blood supply due to the vast amount of metabolic energy required to keep the foot supplied with nutrients. However, when the hoof is diseased or compromised by conditions like laminitis or infection, the blood supply can be jeopardized, leading to disaster. The resulting condition may be an infected portion of the coffin bone, or sequestration of bone.

Bone sequestrums occur when bone lacks blood supply and becomes infected by bacteria that thrive on dead tissue. While sequestrums are generally treatable, the coffin bone is unique in that it lacks an outer soft tissue coating called periosteum. This membrane typically provides blood supply and supports healing with progenitor cells and stem cells. The absence of this layer in the coffin bone leads to poor healing, a more delicate blood supply, and increased vulnerability to infection.

Treating an infected portion of the coffin bone requires aggressive action to prevent further spread and destruction. If infection spreads, it can damage the blood supply to the bone and hoof, weakening the bone to the point of fracture under the horse’s weight. The first step in treatment is aggressive surgical debridement or removal of infected tissue and bone. This is followed by aggressive antibiotic therapy using both local delivery methods (such as antibiotic beads, pastes, or ointments) and systemic routes. Regional limb perfusions, where antibiotics are delivered to the affected limb via blood vessels, may also be used. Additionally, proper support for the remaining hoof is essential, which requires the expertise of a skilled farrier.

Quittor

Quittor is a chronic deep infection within one of the collateral cartilages of the coffin bone. The collateral cartilages, which are attached to the coffin bone’s wings, are often referred to as “side bone” on x-ray films. Lacerations, puncture wounds, trauma, and abscesses can lead to infection in the collateral cartilage. While quittor might seem like a minor issue to most, it is often much more serious than it appears. This infection can smolder beneath the surface, not fully resolved until the infected cartilage is removed.

The diagnosis is typically straightforward, as there is often a draining tract with swelling, heat, and proud flesh over one of the collateral cartilages. However, the challenge lies in locating and removing all of the infected tissue. A hoof wall resection, or a window cut in the side of the foot, is often required to access the infected tissue and allow drainage and local treatment. Quittor can be challenging and may require multiple surgeries to clear the infection. After the hoof wall resection, a specialized shoe may be needed to protect the foot and help stabilize it until the hoof grows out to cover the defect.

Keratoma

Keratoma is a benign, tumor-like growth that arises from the hoof wall or laminar tissue of the foot, known as keratin. Keratin is the same material that makes up our hair and nails. This growth expands between the foot wall and the coffin bone, leading to pressure necrosis and damage to the coffin bone. Keratomas typically form at the toe region of the foot and are thought to be triggered by trauma to the hoof tissue.

The most common signs of a keratoma are recurring foot abscesses in the same location, accompanied by localized lameness. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can help diagnose the presence of a keratoma. Often, the growth is well-formed enough to be visible on x-ray, but advanced imaging may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

The only treatment for a keratoma is surgical removal through the hoof wall. This requires a hoof wall resection, performed with either an oscillating saw or drill bit, to remove the hoof wall without damaging the coffin bone. The keratoma typically appears as off-white, crumbly tissue that is easily removed from the surrounding healthy hoof wall. After surgical removal, a specialized shoe is required to protect the foot and allow access to the surgical site for continued treatment and to prevent infection.

Coffin Bone Fractures

Coffin bone fractures can occur in several patterns, some more serious than others. These fractures are typically categorized as either articular or non-articular, depending on whether or not the coffin joint is involved. Non-articular fractures are generally less serious and can heal without major surgery. These fractures are often stabilized with a special shoe and casting tape applied around the foot to make the hoof itself act as a splint for the coffin bone.

Articular fractures, which involve damage to the coffin joint, are far more serious. Any fracture involving a joint threatens the health of the joint and requires surgical reconstruction as soon as possible to prevent debilitating arthritis. The difficulty in treating these fractures lies in the foot’s structure; the bone is located inside the hoof, making it challenging to access. However, techniques exist that allow surgeons to place screws into the coffin bone through small resections of the hoof wall to stabilize fractures. This option is only viable when the fracture pattern and location are suitable.

Street Nail

A street nail surgery is used to treat deep penetrating injuries to the frog or sole of the foot, which can lead to infections in the coffin bone, navicular bone, and surrounding soft tissue structures. This procedure is necessary when a metal object, such as a nail or screw, penetrates and infects these vital structures. The surgical “window” allows for flushing of the synovial structures and removal of damaged or infected tissue.

Success of this procedure is greatly improved with the use of an arthroscopic camera, which can be placed in the navicular bursa or coffin joint, depending on the area affected by the puncture. The arthroscope allows for better visualization and more thorough flushing of debris and infection from these tight spaces. A special shoe called a hospital treatment plate is then applied to protect the foot while keeping it clean and accessible for further treatment.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a common thread running through these hoof conditions: infection and the need for specialized farrier care. Successful treatment of these conditions requires close collaboration between the veterinary surgeon and farrier. While surgery on a horse’s foot is challenging and sometimes limited, many conditions can be successfully treated with the right surgical intervention and post-operative care.

Equine

Trailer Safety Checklist

Published

5 days ago

May 8, 2026

bowienews

By Janis Blackwell

As the season arrives to gear up for participation in your equine event of choice, one thing remains a constant for all horse owners. That constant is our responsibility to insure the safety of our horses by being diligent to maintain the integrity of the trailers in which we haul them. There are a number of things that can be dangerous both inside and outside of your trailer. Whether you traveled all winter long or whether your trailer sat unused or was used very little through the cold weather months, at least once a year your trailer is due a thorough going over. So here we go with a checklist that will help you insure a happy and safe trip for you and your equine partner.

A sound floor is absolutely imperative. Whether your floor is aluminum, steel or wood, it should be cleaned regularly after use to preserve it. Urine and manure will erode and weaken all types of floors. Even rubber mats will not prevent erosion of your floor. (Maintenance tip: remove mats and wash aluminum floors often to prevent erosion.)
Especially check wooden floors for rotten boards. Immediately replace questionable flooring before hauling. (Maintenance tip: For wood, remove mats and wash out manure and debris. Coat wooden floor in a cheap motor oil. Allow to sit in hot summer weather until the oil soaks in. Be careful—floor will be slippery until oil cures into the wood. This treatment yearly will preserve a wooden floor for much longer than normal as it repels urine and protects the wood).

Keep the interior and exterior washed to enable you to check for rusted out places, leaks, etc.
Have a professional check your brakes at least once yearly to be sure they are operating properly.
Be sure tires are inflated to the proper air pressure, and check the inside of each tire for hidden unusual wear that could cause a blowout. Replace worn tires before leaving home.
Wheel bearings must be checked and packed at least once a year. This should be done even if the trailer has been rarely used since the last time the wheel bearings were packed. In fact, trailer maintenance professionals say that sitting stationary and unused is even worse for the bearings. Improper care and maintenance of wheel bearings can cause a wheel to seize up and actually twist off while in use. Use a horse trailer professional for this maintenance task.
Axles should be checked for bowing. A bent or bowed axle can cause excessive tire wear and damage wheel bearings.
There should be no more than two inches in height difference from the front of the trailer to the back. More difference than that causes the bulk of weight of the trailer and its contents to ride mostly on the rear axle causing it to bow and wear on both tires and wheel bearings.
Another critical part of the trailer to keep an eye on are the butt chain or bar and the back door. The butt chain or bar should be firmly attached to the wall and its keeper and should always be latched. The door should have a strong secure latch with a pin to insure it stays latched while in motion.
Finally, but certainly not of least importance is a thorough check of the trailer hitch including ball and coupling. Keep the ball well greased. Periodically, check to see that the ball is still securely tightened and the latch on the coupling is working properly.

These few critical safety check points can save you money, stress and the wellbeing of your horse. Until next time, happy trails and safe traveling.

This article was originally published in the April 2016 issue of Oklahoma Farm & Ranch.

Equine

Fly Control That Works: What’s Worth Your Money This Summer

Published

2 weeks ago

April 30, 2026

bowienews

By Ann Asher

Every year about this time, it feels like the flies start winning. No matter how clean I keep the pens or how many fly strips I hang, they show up in clouds. Over the past few summers, I’ve tried just about everything—feed-through supplements, predator bugs, DIY traps, and plenty of fly sprays. Some things helped. Some were a waste of money. If you’re battling flies this year, here’s what’s actually worked for me—and what research says can make a real difference on the farm or ranch.

Start with Cleanliness (But Know It’s Not Enough)

The first—and most repeated—advice is to stay ahead of the mess. Manure management is critical, especially around barns, pens, and loafing sheds. Flies lay eggs in fresh manure, and those eggs hatch into larvae in as little as 24 hours during warm weather.
I try to clean high-traffic areas at least every other day, but the truth is, even on the cleanest farms, flies can still be a problem because of moisture, standing water, and nearby neighbors.

Feed-Through Fly Control: A Solid Foundation

One thing that made a noticeable difference for my horses and cattle was starting a feed-through larvicide early in the season. These products add a growth regulator to the feed that passes through the animal and prevents fly larvae from developing in manure.
It’s not an instant fix—you won’t see fewer flies for several weeks—but once it kicks in, you’ll notice fewer new flies being born.

Tip: Feed-through products only work if all animals on the property are eating it consistently. Otherwise, you’re just treating part of the manure, and flies will keep breeding.

Fly Predators: Small, Mighty, and Surprisingly Effective

Last year, I tried fly predators for the first time. These are tiny, non-stinging insects that lay their eggs in fly pupae, stopping the next generation.
I was skeptical (and honestly a little creeped out at first), but I noticed that where I used predators around the barn and dry lots, the fly pressure dropped. Some companies even offer subscription services that send predators timed to your local climate.

Tip: Fly predators don’t kill adult flies—they stop future flies. So you still need to control the adults already buzzing around.

Good Old-Fashioned Fly Traps

In areas like the barn aisle and outdoor runs, nothing beats physical traps.
I like a combination approach:

Sticky ribbons and strips for indoor areas
Odor-baited traps placed away from livestock areas to draw flies away

Tip: Hang baited traps a good distance from barns or stalls. Otherwise, you’re luring flies right into your animals’ space.

Fly Sprays: Choose Carefully

Fly sprays are the first thing most of us reach for—and they do help—but they have limits.
For horses, sprays containing pyrethrins, pyrethroids (like permethrin), or natural oils tend to offer the best repellency. Even then, most sprays only last a few hours, especially if animals are sweating heavily.

Tip: Apply before morning turnout and again before evening if possible. Reapplication is important, especially after heavy exercise or rain.

Other Tools That Help

Fly masks and fly sheets — particularly those with UV protection, to protect sensitive areas like the eyes and ears
Fans in barns and run-in sheds — flies struggle to land in strong airflow
Automatic sprayer systems — an investment, but highly effective for larger barns

The bad news? There’s no magic bullet for fly control.
The good news? Combining several methods—manure management, feed-through treatments, predators, traps, and targeted sprays—can actually make summer bearable for you and your livestock.

At the end of the day, I figure if I can cut the fly population by half, I’ve already made life better for my animals—and a lot less miserable for myself.

References:

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Managing Flies on Livestock
University of Kentucky Entomology – Controlling Flies Around Livestock
North Carolina State Extension – Livestock Pest Management
USDA Agricultural Research Service – Fly Management Resources
Spalding Labs (for info on biological control programs) – Fly Predators Information

Equine

History of the Horseshoe Part 1

Published

2 weeks ago

April 29, 2026

bowienews

By Laci Jones

If it were not for the horseshoe and wagon wheel, the United States would not have been founded, according to Lee Liles. The owner of the National Museum of Horse Shoeing Tools and Hall of Honor said Oklahoma is the grandest example in the world.

Horseshoe books date back to 400 B.C. In fact, the oldest horseshoe at the museum in Sulphur, Okla., is more than 500 years old from Denmark.

“I don’t like going back much farther than 1860 because we don’t have the documentation to back it up,” Liles explained. “You got a few magazines like the Harper Weekly and the Wallaces’ Report, but you want to verify the facts.”

19th Century Patents
The first patent on a horseshoe manufacturing machine in the United States was issued in 1834 to Henry Burden, a Scottish-born industrial engineer. By 1850, Burden had more than 50 different patents on his machines at Burden Iron Works in Troy, N.Y., Liles added.

This was all before the first horseshoe nail patent, which was issued in 1863 to Daniel Dodge in Keeseville, N.Y. The horseshoe nail is the most difficult nail in history to manufacture, Liles explained.

“It’s got a lot of different tapers to it,” he explained. “The nail needs to be strong and durable enough to drive through a foot, come out, be turned over 180 degrees and clenched down in the horse’s foot.”

The nail industry has changed a lot throughout the years, Liles said. In 1853, the horseshoe nail was made from Swedish Iron, but copper nails have become popular in recent years. The oldest nail company left in the United States was the Capewell Horse Nail Company owned by the Mustad family. The nail company started in 1881, and they recently moved out of the country.

“All of these major shoe companies, tool companies and nail companies were located in the northeast United States,” he explained. “That’s where the population was. There weren’t any companies located down here in the South like Oklahoma or Texas.”

Horseshoeing Literature

Most information on horseshoeing actually came from Germany, Liles explained. German books were first written in 1861 by Leisring and Hardman. In 1882, Lungwitz was added as a co-writer.

“[Leisring, Hardman and Lungwitz] were the main vets at the Royal Veterinary College,” Liles said. “[Hardman] wrote his own first book in 1884 and wrote 24 editions. Nobody else has ever written that many books.”

Liles said books are the greatest assets for education. In 1866, the U.S. Congress adapted the cavalry books would be written on the Dunbar System.

“Alexander Dunbar was a person who our Federal Government paid to teach anatomy to horseshoers back in that era,” Liles explained.

John Kerman, who was running a horse shoeing school at Fort Carlisle, Penn., wrote the book written on the Dunbar System. The first American horseshoe book was written in 1871. In 1902, Kerman came to the shoeing school at Fort Riley, Kan.

“The cavalry has been the main source of horseshoers in this country up to the 1950s,” Liles said. “The Army technical manual, TM-220, has been the most copied horseshoeing book in history.”

In the 1890s, Pennsylvania State recruited Mississippi-native, John Adams as a professor. The university sent Adams to Germany to study under Lungwitz.

“When he came back in about 1896, he and Lungwitz were such good friends that he had permission to write the American edition of the Lungwitz book,” Liles explained. “When he came back, Adams brought an instructor from Germany to Penn State to teach anatomy and horseshoeing to the vet students.”

Even Cornell University and Michigan State University had a protégé of Lungwitz in 1913, Liles said.

William Russell

“We had a great educator in Cincinnati, Ohio, who wrote 15 horseshoeing books from 1879 to 1907,” Liles explained. “His name was William Russell.”

In 1887, the first shoemaking contest was held in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Russell won. “The contest consisted of making 100 shoes on an opry stage in front of 3,000 spectators,” Liles explained.

Russell made 100 horseshoes in two hours and 40 minutes with the help of a team. John Silk, who later became a famous horseshoer, was one of Russell’s competitors.

In the 1890s, many horseshoers, including Russell, created display cases filled with their horseshoes. Many of these display cases are still intact and hanging in the museum. One of the cases was in the World Fair in St. Louis in 1904.

“When it went to the World Fair, they added nails to the case,” he added. A photo of the case at the World Fair was added into one of Russell’s books, and it was one of the last display cases he made. Russell offered all of his collection for sale in the same year.

“He died in 1907,” Liles explained. “He was a sick man, and he was blind when he died.”

Aluminum Horseshoe

Liles also has a case located at the museum built in 1895 had an aluminum horseshoe inside. “That is very rare,” he said. “In that era, they only produced 65 pounds of aluminum per year. Aluminum was a precious metal, and you had to buy it through a jeweler.”

Liles said he does not think the aluminum held up well to wear and tear. William Wedekind received the title, “The World’s Greatest Horseshoer” at the 1892 Chicago World’s Fair. Wedekind even made an aluminum horseshoe in 1883.

“It was so light that it floated on water,” Liles explained. “They can’t duplicate the shoe today to make it float on the water.”

The Right Shoe

Liles said when people come to museum, they are used to dealing with one breed of horse and one discipline with the horse. The type of horseshoe used depends on the breed and the discipline. “In this country, we have roughly 400 different breeds of horses,” Liles said.

Liles said he was a horseshoer, which is a lot different from a cowboy shoer. For instance, a horse that is going to go trail riding or ranching needs a high-quality steel horseshoe.

A show horse will wear aluminum shoes because the aluminum will wear the toe quicker. “It will give him a quicker time to break that shoe in,” he added. “If your shoe isn’t new at the show, he has to get that shoe back to where it feels comfortable.”

Many of the plastic shoes are meant for horses that are on concrete, asphalt or wood. Liles said plastic shoes are commonly used in the circus.

A common misconception is people think the weight of the horseshoe affects a horse in either racing or working. “They think plastic is so much lighter,” he explained. “If that is the case, why don’t you just ride him barefoot?”

To learn more about the history of the horseshoe, visit www.horseshoeingmuseum.com.

This article was originally posted in the July 2016 issue of Oklahoma Farm & Ranch.

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