TEXAS VET NEWS By Dr. Bob Judd, DVM and the Texas Farm Bureau Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network

White line disease is a fairly common disease of the horse’s hoof and is characterized by a separation of the middle and inner zone of the hoof wall.  The separation can begin at the toe, quarter, or heel and has also been called seedy toe.  Many cases have various bacteria and fungi cultured from the separated tissue.  However, Dr. Steve O’Grady indicates these bacteria and fungi are usually secondary invaders and the primary problem is brought on by a mechanical stress that causes instability of the hoof wall.  Examples of mechanical stresses include a long toe and low heel conformation or a clubfoot.  Horses with a history of sole abscesses and founder are also susceptible to white line disease.  Moisture can play a role as it softens the foot and allows dirt and debris easy access to any area of separation already present.  As the hoof wall separation moves up the hoof toward the coronary band, pain and lameness develops.  Any horse with white line disease must be radiographed by your vet to determine the extent of the separation and to aid in removing the separated hoof wall. 

Although there are many products on the market claiming they can cure white line disease, any treatment requires the separated hoof wall to be removed.  In fact, Dr. O’Grady indicates that if the diseased hoof wall is removed, most of these cases do not even require antimicrobials at all to treat the infection.  Keeping the resected hoof wall area clean and dry usually allows healing to occur.  If extensive resection is required, a bar shoe may be necessary to stabilize the hoof.  If you have a horse with white line disease, contact your vet as improper treatment without radiographs and hoof wall resection is not usually effective.

Date Published: 6/22/2009 9:24:00 AM