Hoof wall surgery in the horse: approaches to and underlying disorders
Authors: Honnas Clifford M, Dabareiner Robin M, McCauley Betsy H
Journal: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Hoof Wall Surgery in the Horse Surgical access through the hoof capsule presents unique challenges that demand precise anatomical knowledge and careful case selection. Honnas, Dabareiner and McCauley reviewed established surgical approaches for four major conditions requiring hoof wall access—septic navicular bursitis, septic pedal osteitis, collateral cartilage infection, and keratomas—emphasising that successful outcomes depend on accurate diagnosis of the underlying pathology before committing to surgical intervention. The authors detailed specific surgical techniques tailored to each condition, providing a systematic framework that extends beyond these four entities to guide management of other deep foot structures. Understanding the anatomical relationships within the hoof capsule and applying condition-specific approaches rather than generic hoof wall resection enables clinicians to minimise iatrogenic damage to vital structures whilst maximising therapeutic access. For farriers, veterinarians and physiotherapists involved in equine foot care, this work underpins the importance of thorough diagnostic imaging and close interdisciplinary communication before surgery, ensuring that invasive procedures address the true pathology rather than merely creating access holes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Understand the underlying pathology (septic vs. degenerative disease) before planning hoof surgery—this determines surgical approach and prognosis.
- •Knowledge of precise anatomical relationships beneath the hoof capsule is critical to avoid complications and achieve successful outcomes.
- •Collaborate closely with farriers during surgical planning and post-operative management, as hoof wall healing and loading are essential to recovery.
Key Findings
- •Detailed surgical approaches for accessing and treating septic navicular bursitis, septic pedal osteitis, and collateral cartilage infections through the hoof wall are described.
- •In-depth anatomical knowledge of subsolar tissues is essential for successful surgical treatment of hoof conditions.
- •Surgical principles for these specific conditions can be adapted and applied to other disorders requiring hoof wall access.