Bruised Soles in Horses: What to Look For and Treatments

Contents

What are Bruised Soles?

Bruised soles in horses occur when the sensitive tissues within the hoof are damaged, often due to stepping on a hard object. This can cause pain, lameness, and sometimes bleeding within the hoof. Recognising the symptoms early, such as lameness, heat in the hoof, or discoloration, is crucial to prevent more serious issues like abscesses or long-term hoof damage. Prompt veterinary care and proper hoof management can help ensure a swift recovery and maintain your horse's overall hoof health. It's important to note that sometimes bruising can present similar to that of an abscess.

Signs and Symptoms of Bruised Soles

Recognising these symptoms early is crucial to prevent more serious issues like abscesses or long-term hoof damage. Prompt veterinary care and proper hoof management can help ensure a swift recovery and maintain your horse's overall hoof health.

• Lameness: The horse may show signs of lameness, often in one leg but sometimes in multiple legs. The lameness can vary from mild to severe.

• Heat in the Hoof: The affected hoof may feel warmer than usual to the touch.

• Discolouration: You might notice red or brown discoloration on the sole, indicating bruising. This is harder to detect in dark feet.

• Increased Digital Pulse: There may be a stronger-than-normal pulse in the arteries supplying blood to the hoof.

• Sensitivity to Pressure: The horse may react when pressure is applied to the bruised area, especially when using hoof testers.

• Reluctance to Move: The horse might be hesitant to move or walk, particularly on hard surfaces.

• General Discomfort: Signs of general discomfort, such as lying down more often or showing signs of agitation.

  

  
  

Diagnosis

Visual Examination:  A thorough visual examination of your horse’s hooves by a knowledgeable person is essential. This involves carefully inspecting the hooves for any signs of bruising, such as discolouration, heat, or swelling. Regular checks can help identify issues early, allowing for prompt intervention and preventing more serious complications. An experienced horse owner, groom, or stable manager should conduct these examinations frequently to maintain hoof health.

Professional Assessment:  Knowing when to call in a veterinarian or farrier is crucial for your horse’s well-being. If you notice any persistent signs of discomfort, lameness, or abnormalities in the hooves, it’s time to seek professional help. A vet can diagnose the underlying cause of the bruising and recommend appropriate treatment, while a farrier can provide essential hoof care and support. Early intervention by professionals ensures that any issues are addressed promptly, reducing the risk of further damage.

Diagnostic Tools:  Several diagnostic tools can aid in assessing bruised soles. Hoof testers are used to apply pressure to different parts of the hoof to locate areas of pain or sensitivity. This helps in pinpointing the exact location of the bruise. A trot up examination can often give us idea of if the horse has bruised feet. They tend to be short striding and have a shuffle movement especially if there is soreness in multiple feet.

Treatment Options for Bruised Soles in Horses

Initial Care

• Rest: Allowing your horse to rest is crucial in alleviating pressure on the bruised sole. Rest helps to prevent further damage to the hoof and allows the sensitive tissues to heal. Limit the horse's movement by keeping them in a comfortable and stable environment, ideally with deep bedding to cushion the hooves.

• Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected hoof can significantly reduce swelling and discomfort. Using ice boots or cold hosing the hoof for 20-30 minutes several times a day can help manage inflammation and provide pain relief. Ensure the ice is applied consistently to achieve the best results.

• Hoof Hardener: This will help toughen the soles of the feet. We recommend NAF Rock Hard.

• Magic Cushion: A great product for reducing heat and offering initial comfort to the horse

  
  

Pain Management

• Medications: Veterinarians often recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation in horses with bruised soles. Common NSAIDs include phenylbutazone (bute) and flunixin meglumine (Banamine). These medications help reduce pain and swelling, improving the horse's comfort and mobility. Remember to always follow the vet's dosage instructions carefully.

• Natural Remedies: Exploring herbal or homeopathic options can provide additional support in managing pain. Remedies such as arnica and devil's claw are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. However, always consult with a veterinarian before introducing any natural remedies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your horse.

  
  

Supportive Care

• Hoof Pads: Using hoof pads can provide additional support and cushioning to the bruised sole while it heals. Pads help to distribute the horse’s weight more evenly, reducing pressure on the sensitive areas. They can be used in conjunction with specialised shoes or simply placed under the hoof during rest periods. Check out our blog on pads here.

• Proper Footing: Adjusting the horse's environment to minimise further injury is essential. Ensure the horse has access to soft, non-abrasive surfaces to stand and walk on. Avoid hard, rocky, or uneven ground that can exacerbate the condition. Providing a comfortable and stable surface helps prevent additional stress on the bruised sole and promotes faster healing.

  
  

Prevention Tips

Preventing bruised soles in horses involves a combination of proper care, management, and attention to their environment. Here are some key preventative measures:

Regular Hoof Care:

• Routine Trimming and Shoeing: Ensure regular visits from a skilled farrier to keep the hooves properly trimmed and balanced.

• Inspection: Regularly check your horse’s hooves for any signs of wear, damage, or discomfort.

  
  

Proper Footing:

• Soft Surfaces: Provide access to soft, well-maintained surfaces to reduce the risk of impact injuries. Avoid hard, rocky, or uneven ground.

• Stable Bedding: Use deep and comfortable bedding in stables to cushion the hooves and reduce pressure.

  
  

Protective Gear:

• Hoof Boots: Use hoof boots when riding on hard or rocky terrain to protect the hooves from impact and injury.

• Pads: Consider using pads to provide additional cushioning and support, especially for horses prone to bruising.

  
  

Diet and Nutrition:

• Balanced Diet: Ensure your horse receives a balanced diet to maintain overall hoof health. Adequate nutrition supports strong and resilient hooves.

• Supplements: Consider hoof supplements that promote hoof strength and health, such as biotin and zinc.

  
  

Exercise Management:

• Controlled Exercise: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise to build hoof strength without causing strain.

• Rest Periods: Allow for sufficient rest periods between intense exercise sessions to prevent overloading the hooves.

  
  

Environmental Management:

• Clean and Dry Environment: Maintain a clean and dry stable environment to prevent hoof problems caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. Prolonged exposure to wet muddy ground will soften your horses' feet and make them more susceptible to bruising and injury. NAF Rock hard and a decent hoof oil will help

• Avoid Abrasive Surfaces: Reduce the time your horse spends on abrasive or hard surfaces that can lead to bruising.

  
  

Weight Management:

• Maintain Healthy Weight: Ensure your horse maintains a healthy weight to avoid unnecessary strain on their hooves.

When to Seek Professional Help

When it comes to bruised soles in horses, knowing when to seek professional help is crucial. Persistent lameness, unusual heat in the hoof, red or brown discolouration, and a stronger-than-normal digital pulse are all signs that warrant a visit to the veterinarian. Additionally, sensitivity to pressure, reluctance to move, and general discomfort should not be ignored, as these symptoms indicate that your horse may be in significant pain and needs professional care.

Preparing for a vet visit

Preparing for a veterinary appointment is super helpful which should involve gathering detailed information about your horse's symptoms, recent activities, diet and nutrition, and any previous health issues. It's helpful to document any signs of lameness, heat, discolouration, and changes in behaviour, noting when these symptoms started and how they have progressed. Providing information about recent farrier visits, medication history, and any changes in the horse’s routine can assist the vet in making an accurate diagnosis and recommending the most effective treatment plan.

Quick recap

So, in conclusion, a clean dry environment, along with a good diet and application of quality hoof products will help prevent bruising.

Bringing your horse in for periods of the day will also help prevent weak soggy soft feet. helping to avoid this pesky problem.

All blog posts are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical or veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian or farrier for specific medical conditions or concerns.