Changes

==Five Segments of the Hoof==

==Five Segments of the Hoof==

===Wall===

===Wall===

The wall of the hoof is the element of the hoof that is visible. The wall of the hoof is widest at the dorsal aspect of the hoof, i.e. at the toe. The wall of the hoof decreases in width laterally and medially (around the quarters of the hoof).

The wall of the hoof is the element of the hoof that is visible. The wall of the hoof is widest at the dorsal aspect of the hoof, i.e. at the toe. The wall of the hoof decreases in width laterally and medially (around the quarters of the hoof). In most domestic species the wall of the hoof is between 5 - 10mm thick and consists of three layers. There is an '''outer layer''' of thin but dense horn that is shiny and acts to reduce evaporation from the horn and therefore prevent dehydration of the other layers of the horn. There is an '''intermediate layer''' which represents the main structure of the wall and is composed of amorphous horn reinforced with many tubular shaped horn rods. Finally there is an '''inner lamellar layer''' where there are interdigitating lamellae of horn and dermal lamellae which ensure the hoof itself is firmly anchored to the distal phalanx.

 

===Periople===

===Periople===

===Coronary Segment===

===Coronary Segment===