White Line Disease
By Vanessa Fisher
White Line Disease is not only difficult to understand, but more importantly difficult to diagnose. The reason for this is because veterinarians are unsure as to its cause. It is not really an effect of poor hygiene.
In the early stages of white line disease, the only noticeable change on the ground surface of the foot is a small powdery area located along the hoof wall or sole junction. It may remain localized or progress to a larger area of the hoof wall, however would still be difficult to diagnose or treat.
It is found in one or all four hooves and among all types of horse breeds. White line disease is not exclusive to any color, shape, size, weight, sex or breed in the equine industry. Although it begins with the separation between the hoof wall and the sole, it can occur in several places like the toe area, toe and quarter of the foot, or the heel.
This separation removes the protective part of the hoof wall or sole junction, allows bacterial and fungi-pathogens readily found in the environment to enter. These organisms may gain entry through cracks in the feet, nail holes or fissures at the white line. Factors contributing to the separation of the hoof wall in white line disease are, unbalanced feet, improper trimming, an acute hoof angle such as that seen with long-toe under run conformation, flexure deformities (contracted tendons), clubfoot and concurrent hoof problems such as hoof cracks, chronic infection (abscesses or gravel) or direct trauma with subsequent bleeding.
It can also occur in secondary laminitis where the laminae and the associated hoof wall are compromised. It poses no real threat to your horses soundness until extensive damage is done. Rotation of the coffin bone in white line disease will cause your horse to appear lame and therefore needs the expert advice of a farrier.
In closing, white line disease affects the most important part of a horse, and therefore needs early detection to treat successfully considering the amount of weight the hoof is expected to carry.
About the Author
Vanessa Fisher is a successful business owner in the field of equitation and owner of http://www.equicaninecare.com. The Equine Relief Antimicrobial Solutions she offers are not evaluated by the FDA, however have proven to be of the highest standard in the treatment of white line disease and hoof rot.