Difference between revisions of "Corns"
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
| − | A ‘corn’ is '''bruising''' of the sole in the ‘'''seat of corn'''’ (the angle between the medial hoof wall and the bar of the hoof). The most common location for this bruising is the '''medial''' side of the '''fore feet'''. | + | A ‘corn’ is '''bruising''' of the sole in the ‘'''seat of corn'''’ (the angle between the medial hoof wall and the bar of the [[Hoof - Anatomy & Physiology|hoof]]). The most common location for this bruising is the '''medial''' side of the '''fore feet'''. |
==Signalment== | ==Signalment== | ||
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==Clinical Signs== | ==Clinical Signs== | ||
| − | The bruising may be '''visible''' on the sole after '''paring down''' the hoof. It normally occurs on the medial side of the fore feet. The horse will normally test positive to '''hoof testers''' over this region | + | The bruising may be '''visible''' on the sole after '''paring down''' the hoof. It normally occurs on the medial side of the fore feet. The horse will normally test positive to '''hoof testers''' over this region and will usually present with a '''low-grade lameness'''. Lameness will be more severe when loading of the bruised area is greatest and, in the case of the medial side, this will be when the affected limb is on the outside of the circle. |
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
| − | + | The '''shoe''' should be '''removed''' and the sole of the hoof '''pared out''' to reveal the bruising. If infection has developed then paring should continue to allow '''draining''' of the purulent material. The '''shoe''' should be left '''off''' for several days to allow the bruising to heal. It can be '''re-applied''' when the horse is '''sound'''. | |
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To avoid the recurrence of the corn, pressure should be avoided over the region. For example, the caudal end of the medial branch of the shoe can be seated out, in addition the heel can be widened so it covers and protects the affected area. | To avoid the recurrence of the corn, pressure should be avoided over the region. For example, the caudal end of the medial branch of the shoe can be seated out, in addition the heel can be widened so it covers and protects the affected area. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
'''Good hoof care''' and '''regularly changed''', '''well-fitting shoes'''. | '''Good hoof care''' and '''regularly changed''', '''well-fitting shoes'''. | ||
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| + | {{Learning | ||
| + | |flashcards = [[Equine Orthopaedics and Rheumatology Q&A 15]] | ||
| + | }} | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial'' | Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial'' | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | |
| − | [[Category: | + | {{review}} |
| + | [[Category:Musculoskeletal Diseases - Horse]][[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Horse]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Expert Review - Horse]] | ||
Revision as of 15:06, 2 August 2011
Introduction
A ‘corn’ is bruising of the sole in the ‘seat of corn’ (the angle between the medial hoof wall and the bar of the hoof). The most common location for this bruising is the medial side of the fore feet.
Signalment
'Corns' can affect any age, breed or sex of horse as they are usually caused by badly fitting shoes. This can occur if a shoe is left on too long; as the hoof grows the shoe begins to sit over the ‘seat of corn’, resulting in bruising of the area. Alternatively, shoes may be too small from the outset and again cause bruising to develop by lying over the 'seat of corn'. Horses with thin soles or poor foot conformation may be more prone to developing 'corns'.
Clinical Signs
The bruising may be visible on the sole after paring down the hoof. It normally occurs on the medial side of the fore feet. The horse will normally test positive to hoof testers over this region and will usually present with a low-grade lameness. Lameness will be more severe when loading of the bruised area is greatest and, in the case of the medial side, this will be when the affected limb is on the outside of the circle.
Treatment
The shoe should be removed and the sole of the hoof pared out to reveal the bruising. If infection has developed then paring should continue to allow draining of the purulent material. The shoe should be left off for several days to allow the bruising to heal. It can be re-applied when the horse is sound.
To avoid the recurrence of the corn, pressure should be avoided over the region. For example, the caudal end of the medial branch of the shoe can be seated out, in addition the heel can be widened so it covers and protects the affected area.
Prevention
Good hoof care and regularly changed, well-fitting shoes.
| Corns Learning Resources | |
|---|---|
 Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions |
Equine Orthopaedics and Rheumatology Q&A 15 |
References
May, SA & McIlwraith, CW (1998) Equine Orthopaedics and Rheumatology Self-Assessment Colour Review Manson Publishing Ltd
Captain M. Horace Hays FRCVS Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners (Revised Edition), Stanley Paul
Merck & Co (2009) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Ninth Edition), Merial
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This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |