Answer Case of week 7/21/06

This is called "White Line Disease". This happens when damage to the middle layer of the hoof capsule allows fungus &/or bacteria to invade and separate the layers of the hoof wall. The infection can spread around the hoof and up inside the wall to make the horse lame. This disease is sometimes called hollow foot or seedy toe and can damage the foot severely if left untreated. Treatment in severe cases includes removing the damaged hoofwall to allow exposure to the air and easier access for medicating the infected tissue. This can be a long and tedious treatment process because if the foot is severely damaged, it can take many months to regrow healthy hoofwall.