Written by: Casie Bazay, BS, NBCAAM
Reviewed by: Dr. Emily Gilbert, PhD
Veterinary Review: Dr. Madison Ricard, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Horses are prone to hoof cracks for various reasons. Cracks can lead to the hoof chipping away in certain areas.
Cracks can be a cosmetic problem that can be easily corrected, but sometimes, they indicate something more serious is happening within the hoof.
Cracks often form in the hoof wall in a vertical direction, following the hoof tubules. They often originate from the bottom hoof surface or, less commonly, the coronary band. At times, a hoof crack may run the entire length of the hoof wall.
Cracks can also run horizontally, but these are less common and often have a different cause than those running vertically.
Hoof cracks can involve just the outer hoof wall or can invade the underlying sensitive structures and laminae. Depending on the severity, cracks may or may not cause lameness.
Hoof cracks are usually described by their location, length (partial or full), and the presence or absence of bleeding and/or infection. In many cases, the underlying hoof damage is considerably more extensive than what is seen from the outside.