Some of the more common conditions we see include: 

White line disease (shelly hoof):

This is when the horn of the wall and sole separate, forming a pocket on the other edge of the hoof. This pocket exposes animals to secondary disease as dirt and mud etc. becomes impacted, creating discomfort and providing an ideal environment for infection to occur. The reason for shelly hoof occurring has not been clearly identified, but wet terrain and nutritional imbalances are thought to be predisposing factors. Treatment is achieved by therapeutic trimming; removing the flap of hoof wall in an inverted ‘U’ or ‘V’ shape (as pictured). 

Foot rot:

This is an infection of the hoof caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus. These bacteria are normally found in the environment and on animals’ hooves; it is an overgrowth of the bacteria (usually caused by a wet environment) that leads to infection and resulting foot rot. Infections are most likely to arise in warm and moist environments (especially spring and autumn). Antibiotics are generally required to treat, an injectable, topical (spray) or a combination of the two may be recommended, depending on the infection's severity. If you suspect you have an animal suffering with foot rot then please contact your veterinarian to be able to have this diagnosis confirmed and a treatment plan put into place.  

Scald:

The same bacteria that causes foot rot can also be responsible for a more superficial infection of the hoof (interdigital dermatitis, referred to as scald). Predisposing factors for this infection include a high stocking rate, chronic exposure to a wet/damp environment (which softens the hoof and surrounding skin), and a trauma to the hoof (for example a scratch by a thorn or branch). If left untreated, or if there have been many animals affected on the property, then foot rot can be a complication of this condition.    

Toe abscess:

This is the result of damage to the hoof (generally a puncture to the sole) which allows bacteria to enter and an abscess to form within the hoof itself. As you may expect, this is incredibly painful, and often the animal will be bearing minimal weight on the affected leg. The hoof itself will often be hot to touch, and as the disease progresses pus will be released through the skin of the coronary region (just above the hoof). If you suspect your animal has a toe abscess, then please call to arrange an appointment with your vet. Draining the abscess and pain relief is required for treatment, and often antibiotics are indicated.   

Toe granuloma (strawberry):

As the name suggests, this condition can look as though there is a strawberry stuck to the sole surface. It is the result of damage to the sensitive tissue of the hoof, which may be from a previous infection (such as foot rot), injury to the hoof or inadvertently by over-trimming. The exposed tissue is often red, sensitive and bleeds easily when touched, and the animal will likely be very lame (often bearing minimal weight). If you identify a toe granuloma, please seek veterinary advice as treatment can be complex and antibiotics often need to be prescribed.