Sandcracks
Symptoms
A crack appears in the hoof wall either from the ground upwards or from the coronary band downwards. Lameness may result.
Cause
Some may be superficial, although in others infection may occur. Ones in the coronary band are usually caused by a wound in that area which results in new hoof growth being brittle and weak. Crack which go upwards may be due to overgrown feet, poor farriery work or an unbalanced foot.
Treatment
If an infection has occurred a farrier will need to be called to cut out the infection. Clean dressing will then need to be applied daily as well as an antibiotic treatment to prevent further infection. Once this has been done and the horse is sound a farrier will be able to fill the area and use fixatives to strengthen the hoof. If the sandcracks are from the bottom upwards corrective trimming and shoeing should be enough to correct it. A good farrier should always be used regularly.
Please remember this information is provided as a guide only and professional advice should be sought before any diagnosis or treatment is applied.