White Line Disease
What is White Line Disease and How is it Cured?
White Line Disease is and anaerobic disease meaning that exposure to air will destroy the bacteria. (Thrush is also a similar anaerobic disease, which is why your farrier is always nagging you to pick out hooves.)
By removing the damaged tissue and making sure there are no hiding places for the bacteria to take hold we effectively halt the progression of the disease.
Then, by replacing the missing area with acrylic, the disease is then not able to reinfect the exposed tissue. Taking the pull off of the area displaying white line separation is a big part of preventing future issues. Having a farrier with experience in our environment is a definite must, and making sure your horse is trimmed a little ahead of schedule will guarantee the disease does not get another chance to take off.
Even the worst cases usually heal given time and the right amount of care, having a farrier who knows his stuff is essential to getting you and your horse back on the road.
Anatomy of White Line
Basic Hoof Anatomy
The hoof above is a ripe environment for White Line Disease with it’s deep dark cavities and serious separation.
The disease is clearly visible in this radiograph and left unchecked can spread to the distal phalanx.
Case Study - Classy
You are not alone in Western Washington, many horses in this region have fought the white line demon. “Classy” is 22 years old and everything her name suggests. Her previous farrier some how missed a 3 inch by 1 inch band of severely diseased material on her right front lateral hoof wall. It had caused her pain for so long she simply stood quietly while we dismantled the rotten material, chasing it partway up her hoof wall. She never flinched. She never laid down, she simply took her new shoes and ran with them.
The disconnected wall is healing, and the disease is gone. She is moving better now than she has moved in years.
Classy's hoof with replacement acrylic and support package.
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