Hoof Capsule Research Articles

Understanding contagious ovine digital dermatitis

Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is an emerging disease of sheep that was first reported in the UK in 1997. Since then it has become widespread in the national flock...

Histological and Morphometric Characteristics of the Corneal Layer of Buffalo Hoof Capsules

Histological and Morphometric Characteristics of the Corneal Layer of Buffalo Hoof Capsules

Microtomographic Parameters and Nanoindentation of the Hoof of Girolando Cattle.

The aim of this study was to describe the microstructure of the pigmented and depigmented hoof capsule of Girolando cattle by bi- and tridimensional microtomography and nanoindentation, analysing the possible relation between these findings and the susceptibility of such animals to podal diseases. To carry out the microtomography and the nanoindentation, duplicated samples were collected from the dorsal wall, abaxial wall and pre-bulbar sole of the hoof capsule. Material collection was performed in 40 medial digits of thoracic limbs and 40 lateral digits of pelvic limbs. The bidimensional microtomography showed that the dorsal wall of the thoracic and pelvic limbs presented higher density, followed by the abaxial wall, and finally by the sole, with the lowest density. Moreover, the hoof capsule of cows of Girolando breed is a compact, non-porous material, and constituted by extratubular and intratubular keratin. By the tridimensional microtomography, it was possible to measure the angles of the corneal tubules in relation to the periople and the claws in the different regions of the hoof capsule, which were 90° for the dorsal wall, 55° for the abaxial wall and 70° for the sole. The tridimensional microtomography also showed corneal tubules of different diameters: 17, 51, 85, 119 and 153μm. The nanoindentation test, when performed in different regions of the hoof capsule, did not reveal significant difference of Vickers hardness in the evaluated areas. However, we verified a larger elastic module of these regions on the transversal cut of the corneal tubules compared to the longitudinal cut.

Microstructure and Hardness of Buffalo's Hoofs

The aim of this study was to describe the microstructure of hoof capsules of the buffalo. In addition, the study emphasized the morphometric aspects of the horn tubules, the Vickers nanohardness of the dorsal and abaxial walls and sole of the digits of the thoracic and pelvic limbs of the buffalo. The abaxial wall in the thoracic and pelvic digits showed larger diameter of the horn tubules when compared to all dorsal wall and sole. In addition, the abaxial wall of the thoracic digits showed larger diameter of the horn tubules when compared with the pelvic digits. According to the three-dimensional microtomography, the dorsal wall was higher in density compared with the abaxial wall. The latter exhibited an intermediate density, while the sole showed the lowest density. The Vickers nanohardness test showed that there was no difference in hardness and resistance between the experienced regions. However, the elastic modulus was greater on the transversal section of the hoof capsule. In conclusion, the results of the current study show that modern technologies such as microtomography and subsequent imaging can be used to investigate details of the basic morphology in different regions of the buffalo's hoof.

Biochemical composition of the hoof capsule of buffaloes and its influence on hoof quality

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to establish the biochemical parameters of the abaxial wall, dorsal wall and sole of the hoof of the medial thoracic, lateral, and medial pelvic digits of buffalos. The hoof samples were subjected to destructive biochemical analyses to identify the dry material (DM), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) contents. Sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels were determined based on nondestructive biochemical analyses. The parameters of dry material, mineral matter, organic matter, crude protein and ether extract of hoof capsule of the digits of buffalos can be determined by means of both destructive and nondestructive biochemical analysis. In addition, this study revealed that the highest concentrations of DM, CP and minerals such as, K, Zn and Cu are concentrated in the digits that bear the greatest body mass weight, suggesting that there is a positive correlation between the aforementioned parameters and the strength and growth of the hoof capsule in the digits. As for the element S, this study demonstrated that its highest concentration is located in the lateral digits of the pelvic members.

Morphological investigations of deep sole ulcers in cattle. Part 2: Toe ulcers, white line disease in the heel and changes due to inappropriate weight bearing and deficient claw care

To demonstrate the morphology of pathological changes to the inner structures of the claw in cases of toe ulcers, white line disease in the heel and changes due to inappropriate weight bearing and deficient claw care. Hind limbs of 55 cows displaying external signs of complicated sole ulcers were examined externally and internally. To examine the samples internally, a sagittal section was performed. Furthermore, the material was examined after bone maceration and histologically. A total of 43 claws of 112 digits with 120 deep sole ulcers displayed a toe ulcer and in 18 claws white line disease was diagnosed. In animals with toe ulcers, necrosis of the pedal bone was found in severely altered claws. In cows with white line disease, osteolysis in the abaxial region of the margo solearis and arthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint were the most common pathological findings. Claws with deficient claw care displayed severe pathological changes to the pedal bone. Sole ulcers may rapidly cause serious and irreversible changes to the structures encased within the hoof capsule and consequently have an impact on animal welfare. Therefore, prophylaxis and functional claw care are essential measures to avoid pathological conditions in claws and to improve animal welfare.

Morphometric changes in the hoof capsule of Criollo foals from birth to weaning

ABSTRACT: South America has numerous Criollo horse breeding farms; however, information on foal hoof growth is still limited and identifying the ideal periods to apply corrective trimming is a frequent concern for horse owners. In the present study, a morphometric analysis of hoof growth was performed on 46 Criollo foals from birth to weaning (0-8 months). Results showed that hoof growth rate was higher in the first four months followed by a decrease until the eighth month. Average growth rate of the hoof was 0.21cm per month, whereas that of the heel was 0.14cm per month. However, no significant differences were observed between medial and lateral heel length or between limbs. Coronary band perimeter and solar width showed an average increase of 0.97cm and 0.46cm per month, respectively, and were significantly correlated (r=0.99, P≤0.01). The characteristic most positively correlated to biometric variables was foal age, followed by solar width, toe length, and coronary band perimeter. In conclusion, hoof length increase in Criollo foals was more intensive during the first four months of life.

A Novel Equine Hoof Lamellar Tissue Biopsy Technique

This study aims to validate the efficacy of a new device specifically developed for equine lamellar biopsy. Nine adult horses were used. Under sedation and digital nerve perineural anesthesia and after keratinized tissue thinning, a sample from the dorsal lamellar stratum was obtained using an instrument called Falcão-Faleiros' lamellotome. Hoof pain sensitivity was evaluated for 60 days, and horses were monitored for 6 months. Lateromedial radiographic images to analyze the spatial relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof capsule were obtained before and 30 days after the biopsy. The effect of time on the variables was statistically analyzed (P < .05). On average (±SD), the biopsies produced samples that were 2.32 (±0.64) cm in length, 0.48 (±0.09) in width, and 0.51 (±0.11) cm in depth. A mean of 69 of intact primary epidermal lamellae was obtained per biopsy sample. Lameness and sensitivity to hoof testers were evident during the first 4 days postbiopsy but returned to basal levels after the fifth day. Minimal radiographic changes were observed, and the horses completely returned to their regular activities after 60 days. All biopsied hoofs grew normally during the 6-month period, making the dorsal wall defects reach the ground level. The use of the lamellotome for equine hoof lamellar biopsy produced an adequate quality and quantity of tissue for histology and allowed for full clinical recovery of the horses.

Effect of Cortical Screw Diameter on Reduction and Stabilization of Type III Distal Phalanx Fractures: An Equine Cadaveric Study.

To compare reduction of type III distal phalangeal fractures using 4.5 and 5.5 mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion and an intact hoof capsule model. Cadaveric experimental study. Hooves from 12 adult horses (n=24). Sagittal fractures were created in pairs of distal phalanges after distal interphalangeal joint disarticulation and were reduced with either 4.5 or 5.5 mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion. Contralateral phalanges served as non-reduced controls. Fracture reduction following screw placement was assessed by comparing pre-reduction and post-reduction fracture gap measurements from radiographs using paired t-tests. Effects of incremental loading (0, 135, 270, 540, 800, 1070, and 1335 kg) on fracture gaps in 6 phalanges reduced with 4.5 mm screws and 5 phalanges reduced with 5.5 mm screws were measured from fluoroscopic images and assessed by 2-way ANOVA. Significance was set at P<.05. Type III distal phalanx fractures were reliably created. Only 5.5 mm cortical screws, not 4.5 mm screws, significantly reduced fracture gaps and constrained fracture gap expansion 3 cm distal to the articular surface. Compressive loading closed the fracture gaps at the articular surface in both non-reduced control groups and those reduced with either 5.5 or 4.5 mm screws. The 5.5 mm cortical screws were more effective than 4.5 mm screws in reducing type III distal phalanx fractures and restricting distal fracture gap expansion under load.

Loss of the hoof capsule in horses as a consequence of limb ischaemia

Loss of the hoof capsule in horses as a consequence of limb ischaemia

Spontaneous hoof capsule loss following lacerations of the equine distal limb

SummaryIn this article, 3 cases of an infrequent complication of lower limb trauma that presented as a cellulitis and deteriorating comfort a few days after lower limb laceration are described. All 3 horses sloughed the hoof capsule 10 days after initial trauma to that particular limb. Development of subsequent cellulitis/lymphangitis contributed to deterioration of distal limb perfusion. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown but clinicians should be aware of this unusual but major complication following limb trauma.

Low-field magnetic resonance imaging of penetrating hoof injuries in 10horses

The aim of the present study was to verify the diagnostic validity of low-field magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) findings in septic diseases of the foot region following penetrating sole injuries caused by nails. MRI examinations were performed in 10 horses with injuries in the foot region. The diagnostic findings were validated by conventional methods (clinical, surgical, radiological, sonographic, and computed tomographic findings and/or post-mortem histological examination). Navicular bone involvement was revealed most accurately, with a high degree of predictability, and was best detected by fat-suppressed T2 or short-TI inversion recovery (STIR) sequences. MRI examinations of defects in the deep digital flexor tendon showed a high level of sensitivity, but these findings were less specific than changes to the navicular bone. They could be best reproduced in transverse T2-weighted fast spin echo sequences (T2w FSE). The penetration tract was recognisable in all cases and in all planes, and the T2w FSE proved to be very suitable for diagnosis. Septic bursitis was revealed least accurately by MRI. Bursal disease was best recognised in the sagittal plane. MRI is a reliable method for confirming the diagnosis of diseases in the foot region after injuries caused by foreign bodies, particularly nails. A transverse T2w FSE is best suited for demonstrating a penetration tract and tendon damage. Visualisation of the penetration tract and secondary reactions of the navicular bone are crucial for diagnosing bursitis. Fat-suppressed sequences can clearly show bone involvement when the penetration tract has not reached the bone. The cases described illustrate that MRI is an appropriate method for evaluating puncture wounds in the foot region. Only MRI allows for intravital assessment of various structures within the hoof capsule. This information is essential for deciding upon targeted therapy while avoiding unnecessary therapies.

Hoof capsule distortion and radiographic measurements of the front feet in Mangalarga Marchador horses subjected to athletic training

Hoof capsule distortion and radiographic measurements of the front feet in Mangalarga Marchador horses subjected to athletic training

Use of ozone therapy in chronic laminitis in a horse.

A ten year-old mare, 320 kg, was referred with signs of lameness and reluctance to ambulate. On clinical examination, animal showed signs of shifting weight lameness on the forelimbs, presence of palpable supracoronary depressions and severe signs of pain with hoof test pressure over the sole on right forelimb. Digital pulses and temperature of the hoof were thought to be within normal limits. On inspection it was possible to observe a short extension of the toe and solar prolapse with hoof capsule distortion. Radiologic measurements showed displacement of the distal phalanx (30o). The animal was diagnosed with Obel grade IV chronic laminitis on the right foot. Therapeutic protocol established included exclusively corrective trimming and intramuscular, peritendinous and intrarectal administration of oxygen/ozone therapy as anti-inflammatory therapy. Oxygen/ozone therapy sessions were performed twice a week, for a total of 20 sessions. Six months after original presentation, the mare demonstrated clinical improvement with an improved body condition and better ambulation. Radiologic evaluation showed a normal relationship between the dorsal hoof wall and the distal phalanx.

Radiographic measurements of the hooves of normal ponies

Knowledge of the normal radiographic anatomy of the equine foot and the relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof capsule is imperative for objective assessment of hoof health. Little information is available for the hooves of ponies. The aim of this study was to establish a database of reference values for normal ponies and to investigate the relationship between the height at the withers and radiographic measurements of the hooves. Radiographic examinations were performed on 81 ponies, ranging from 81.5 to 148.0 cm height at the withers, immediately after foot trimming. Eighteen parameters were measured in the lateromedial view (front and hind feet) and 13 parameters were measured in the dorsopalmar view (front feet). Most linear measurements had a strong positive correlation with the height at the withers. The influence of height on angular measurements was weak. A linear regression model was adopted to enable calculation of reference values for a defined height at the withers. Left feet were longer in 72% of front feet and 67% of hind feet. The medial part of the hoof was more upright generally, but the medial hoof wall was shorter only in the right front feet. The front feet tended to be more upright than the hind feet. Compared to height at the withers, the hooves of ponies were relatively larger than the hooves of adult Warmblood horses investigated in a comparable study. The present study provides a database for farriers and veterinarians for hoof conformation, on the basis of which hoof preparation and an accurate diagnosis of lameness can be made.

Generation of a de novo transcriptome from equine lamellar tissue.

BackgroundLaminitis, the structural failure of interdigitated tissue that suspends the distal skeleton within the hoof capsule, is a devastating disease that is the second leading cause of both lameness and euthanasia in the horse. Current transcriptomic research focuses on the expression of known genes. However, as this tissue is quite unique and equine gene annotation is largely derived from computational predictions, there are likely yet uncharacterized transcripts that may be involved in the etiology of laminitis. In order to create a novel annotation resource, we performed whole transcriptome sequencing of sagittal lamellar sections from one control and two laminitis affected horses.ResultsWhole transcriptome sequencing of the three samples resulted in 113 million reads. Overall, 88 % of the reads mapped to the equCab2 reference genome, allowing for the identification of 119,430 SNPs. The de novo assembly generated around 75,000 transcripts, of which 36,000 corresponded to known annotations. Annotated transcript models are hosted in a public data repository and thus can be easily accessed or loaded into genome browsers. RT-PCR of 12 selected assemblies confirmed structure and expression in lamellar tissue.ConclusionsTranscriptome sequencing represents a powerful tool to expand on equine annotation and identify novel targets for further laminitis research.

SERPINB11 frameshift variant associated with novel hoof specific phenotype in Connemara ponies.

Horses belong to the order Perissodactyla and bear the majority of their weight on their third toe; therefore, tremendous force is applied to each hoof. An inherited disease characterized by a phenotype restricted to the dorsal hoof wall was identified in the Connemara pony. Hoof wall separation disease (HWSD) manifests clinically as separation of the dorsal hoof wall along the weight-bearing surface of the hoof during the first year of life. Parents of affected ponies appeared clinically normal, suggesting an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. A case-control allelic genome wide association analysis was performed (ncases = 15, ncontrols = 24). Population stratification (λ = 1.48) was successfully improved by removing outliers (ncontrols = 7) identified on a multidimensional scaling plot. A genome-wide significant association was detected on chromosome 8 (praw = 1.37x10-10, pgenome = 1.92x10-5). A homozygous region identified in affected ponies spanned from 79,936,024-81,676,900 bp and contained a family of 13 annotated SERPINB genes. Whole genome next-generation sequencing at 6x coverage of two cases and two controls revealed 9,758 SNVs and 1,230 indels within the ~1.7-Mb haplotype, of which 17 and 5, respectively, segregated with the disease and were located within or adjacent to genes. Additional genotyping of these 22 putative functional variants in 369 Connemara ponies (ncases = 23, ncontrols = 346) and 169 horses of other breeds revealed segregation of three putative variants adjacent or within four SERPIN genes. Two of the variants were non-coding and one was an insertion within SERPINB11 that introduced a frameshift resulting in a premature stop codon. Evaluation of mRNA levels at the proximal hoof capsule (ncases = 4, ncontrols = 4) revealed that SERPINB11 expression was significantly reduced in affected ponies (p<0.001). Carrier frequency was estimated at 14.8%. This study describes the first genetic variant associated with a hoof wall specific phenotype and suggests a role of SERPINB11 in maintaining hoof wall structure.

Laminitis: a perennially life-threatening disease

L aminitis is a disease associated with ischaemia (loss of blood suppy) to digital epidermal tissues. The bond between the dermal and epidermal laminae (the inter-laminar bond) is the only means of support of the coffin bone within the hoof. Horses are suspended within their hooves by this interlaminar bond; if the laminar bond is destroyed, the pedal bone moves distally within the hoof capsule. Laminitis can be acute (actively laminitic) or chronic (had laminitis in the past but not painful presently). Laminitis can be ‘rotational’ (the laminar bond has broken down at the dorsal region of the hoof and the coffin bone is pulled downwards by the deep flexor tendon) or ‘sinking’ (where a greater proportion of the laminar bed is deprived of blood, and consequently nutrients, resulting in the coffin bone sinking downwards within the hoof capsule).

Ultrasonographic and macroscopic comparison of the thickness of the capsule, corium, and soft tissues in bovine claws: an in vitro study.

This study aimed to compare thickness of the capsule, corium, and soft tissues measured ultrasonographically and macroscopically in selected regions of bovine claws. A hundred and twenty claws (n = 120) of 15 healthy Holstein bovines were obtained. After cleaning the claws, ultrasonographic measurement of the capsule, corium, and soft tissues was performed while submerging the claws in a water bath. Macroscopic measurements were taken after cutting of the claws axially. These values were compared statistically. According to the macroscopic measurements, the mean thickness ± standard deviation (SD) of the capsule for dorsal wall and sole was 6.2 ± 0.1 and 9.5 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. The thickness of the corium and soft tissues for dorsal wall and sole was 4.5 ± 0.1 and 5.3 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. Ultrasonographically, the mean thickness ± SD of the capsule for dorsal wall and sole was 4.7 ± 0.1 and 7.8 ± 0.3 mm, respectively. The thickness of the corium and soft tissues for dorsal wall and sole was 4.3 ± 0.1 and 5.9 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. Findings demonstrated that ultrasonography can be reliably to measure of the thickness of the hoof capsule, corium, and soft tissue in bovine claw.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing equine deep digital flexor tendinopathies--own experience.

Deep digital flexor tendinopathy is a common problem in horses of different athletic disciplines. Nowadays, the use of magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be a noninvasive and superior choice for recognizing bone and soft tissue pathologies especially related to difficult to access structures within the hoof capsule.