Hoof Angles’ Impact on Lameness Examined

Research shows that various angles of the outer and inner hoof are linked to different kinds of lameness.
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Hoof Angles
Weller’s emphasized the importance of the hoof conformation you can’t see: Internal angles are equally as important, if not more, as external angles in evaluating lameness or the potential for lameness, Weller said. | Photo: Erica Larson
Get out your protractors: New research shows that the various angles of the outer and inner hoof are directly linked to various kinds of lameness, and knowing the angles could help determine which kind of lameness a horse has or is likely to get.

“In our study, we found that there was a significant association between some conformation parameters (of the hoof) and certain lesions or injuries,” said Renate Weller, DVM, PhD, MSc, Vet Ed, MRCVS, a senior lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the Royal Veterinary College in Hertfordshire, U.K.

Weller’s emphasized the importance of the hoof conformation you can’t see: Internal angles are equally as important, if not more, as external angles in evaluating lameness or the potential for lameness, Weller said.

“I recommend assessing foot conformation radiographically (using X ray), since I have seen a fair number of horses that appear to have excellent foot conformation when looking at them from the outside and then have (conformational issues) when radiographed,” she said. “We think this has become more common in the last few years.” The reasons for that, however, are still unclear, she said

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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