Plumbness and hoof problems:
Understanding and taking action
Introduction
Horses’ legs play an essential role in their health, balance and performance.
When they show abnormalities, these legs can lead to hoof problems, compromising the animal’s comfort and physical abilities.
Understanding the causes and consequences of hoof problems is essential if effective preventive and curative solutions are to be adopted. This article offers a detailed analysis to guide you in the maintenance and care of your horse’s hooves.
Aplomb anterior face
Plumb anterior profile
Plumbness Defects in Adult Horses
Plumb defects, which are in particular misalignments of the various bone segments, are manifested in adult horses by deviations such as splayed feet, panniers or angular deformities of the joint spaces in valgus (deviation towards the outside) or varus (deviation towards the inside), or by rotations in the axis or deviations in the sagittal plane.
These plumb defects are often accompanied by postural defects.
These anomalies are partly linked to genetic factors.
For example, heavy horses, with their broad chests, are more likely to be lop-sided, while Thoroughbreds, which are narrower, are more likely to be plumb. Certain breeds, such as Iberian horses, are distinguished by straighter feet, particularly when the sagittal angle (pastern-foot axis, seen from the side) is observed. However, these characteristics are not universal, and there are always exceptions.
The environment and sports or leisure use also play an important role, and unsuitable flooring or inadequate management of living conditions can accentuate these anomalies.
If left unchecked, these defects can have significant repercussions.
Foot hygiene (fork and white line) is very important, as in some cases it degenerates into foot pathologies (toad and ankle problems).
Fork rot
White line pincer ant farm
Uneven hoof wear, also known as horny box, can deform and subsequently affect the joints and their biomechanical tendon and ligament function, leading to lameness and loss of performance.
Incorrect plumbness can also have a direct impact on the horse’s overall balance, encouraging postural asymmetries that are compensated for by the musculature and, in the long term, amplifying the defects, thereby altering the general biomechanics.
Varus left forefoot, slight varus right forefoot with slight internal rotation – HIPPOTYPOSE
Combination of deviation, offset knees, varus of the left anterior toe, with a shaky foot
To remedy these problems, it is vital to carry out regular checks with a qualified farrier or equine vet. The use of modern tools, such as the Hippotypose software, enables precise analysis of the horse’s plumb line according to different viewing planes and osteo-articular spaces: frontal, sagittal, horizontal and postural.
This makes it possible to compare the development of footing, which can change or increase as a result of work, wear, foot length, environmental parameters (temperature and humidity) or the nature of the surface (ground).
Appropriate trimming or shoeing, taking into account the shape of the hooves and the horse’s specific needs, helps to re-establish the balance of support and limit future deformations.
Deformity of the corneal box, with an overlapped heel and valgus of the fetlock
In most cases of foot deformity (horny box, hoof), the shoe and its positioning under the foot, correlated with appropriate trimming, will be the best elements to help the foot withstand its stresses.
For example, asymmetrical horse shoes help to balance out the weight of the horse when it is standing on soft ground, thus anticipating the risk of deformed feet and aplomb.
Posterior and anterior asymmetric irons corresponding to lateral overloading
Combined view of the front legs with the axial rotation of the feet. (HIPPOTYPOSE)
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the horse’s balance has an impact on the different phases of locomotion (support phase, stance phase, propulsion phase) and, by direct effect, on the mobility (elasticity, deformation) of the foot. In some cases, this leads to a chain reaction.
Body mass, limb trajectory, propulsion: these interferences on locomotion are all difficult to interpret. Hippotypose enables all these different static and locomotor parameters to be put into perspective, so that an appropriate diagnosis can be made objectively during the horse’s clinical visit. In fact, the Hippotypose algorithm, combined with the diagnoses made by the practitioner, suggests shoes adapted to the pathologies identified.
Defects of Plumbness in Foals: Causes and Solutions
Foals are particularly vulnerable to plumb defects, especially during the first six months of life, a period of rapid growth.
Angular deviations are common and often due to genetic factors or contractures. If not corrected early on, these anomalies can become irreversible.
Regular monitoring by a farrier (accompanied by the breeder and vet) is essential during this critical period.
Early trimming can correct minor anomalies, while more advanced techniques, such as the use of Dalmer orthopaedic shoes or Shufix resin feet, may be required for more complex cases.
These materials create an artificial volume around the foot to correct pressure.
In serious situations, close collaboration between vet and farrier is recommended, with radiological examinations to assess the extent of the deviations.
The foal’s environment also plays a key role. Firm floors are beneficial for foals with hyperlaxity, while softer surfaces are better suited to those suffering from contractures.
Good management of the bedding – thick and clean – as well as outings of appropriate length and frequency, all help to limit the effects of plumb anomalies. In addition, increased monitoring of abscesses, necrosis, bedsores and glomus may be necessary to ensure optimum recovery.
Preventing and correcting hoof abnormalities
For owners, prevention is key. Regular hoof monitoring can detect abnormalities as soon as they appear.
A balanced diet promotes healthy growth and reduces the risk of structural problems.
Environmental management, with suitable flooring and careful bedding management, is another essential preventive factor.
If a problem is identified, early intervention increases the chances of correcting it. Orthopaedic treatments, whether custom-forged shoes or specialist resins, are often effective in restoring hoof structure and balance.
For the most complex cases, options such as shock waves or surgery may be considered by the equine vet. Ongoing monitoring by competent professionals guarantees lasting results.
Conclusion
Balance is a fundamental element of a horse’s health and well-being.
By understanding the causes and consequences of poor balance, owners can adopt appropriate preventive and corrective measures. Regular professional monitoring is essential to ensure optimum performance and long-term health.
Trust the experts to ensure the best possible future for your equine companions.
