Hoof growth in laminitis

In laminitis, the relationship between P3, the solar corium and the weight-bearing surface can be altered. When the tip of P3 exerts excessive pressure on the solar corium, this structure can become compromised and lose some of its ability to produce horn tissue.

Blood circulation in this region is affected. If the process continues for a prolonged period, the damage can become chronic and spread, making new sole production even harder.

However, the coronary band may maintain relatively normal circulation and activity. Therefore, the structures responsible for hoof wall growth continue to produce horn tissue while the damaged solar region cannot keep up.

The result is an imbalance between wall growth and sole growth.

• Little sole depth, especially in the dorsal region.
• Excessively long toe.
• Altered relationship between the dorsal hoof wall and P3.
• Wall growth faster than sole recovery.
• Progressive changes in hoof conformation as laminitis becomes chronic.

Recovery of the laminitic hoof takes time. Even if we manage to modify the forces acting on P3, the damaged tissue does not immediately regain its normal ability to produce sole.

For this reason, during recovery we may see an apparently irregular growth pattern. The heels may grow faster than the solar region, which is still affected and recovering.

This is important when interpreting hoof evolution. A hoof that is growing differently is not necessarily getting worse. In some cases, these differences may be part of the recovery process and the progressive rebuilding of internal and external hoof structures.

The goal of 3D horseshoes for horses with laminitis is to modify the forces acting on the hoof and reduce the tension exerted by the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) on P3.

By reducing this tension, we can reduce the forces that encourage pressure from the tip of P3 on the solar corium. This can help improve the mechanical and circulatory conditions of the region beneath P3.

The aim is to promote an environment in which the solar corium can gradually regain its ability to produce new sole.

It is not simply about making the hoof grow faster. The objective is to modify the mechanical conditions of the hoof so that damaged structures have the opportunity to recover. As the sole begins to regain depth, the hoof can gradually recover a more functional shape.

The evolution of sole depth can provide very valuable information during the recovery of a horse with laminitis. Evaluation should be performed together with clinical examination and, when indicated, radiographic studies.

Wall growth and sole growth do not always advance at the same rate. Therefore, the goal should not be solely to make the wall grow, but to promote recovery of the structures that produce the sole and gradually restore a more balanced relationship between P3, the sole and the hoof wall.

Recovery of a hoof affected by laminitis is a gradual process. Understanding how the different hoof structures grow allows better interpretation of the changes seen during treatment and more appropriate decisions about management and shoeing.