Keratomas in Horses are remarkable athletes and companions, but like all animals, they’re susceptible to various health conditions. One rare but important condition to be aware of is a keratoma, a benign but potentially problematic growth inside the hoof. While not life-threatening, keratomas can significantly affect your horse’s soundness and performance if left unrecognized.
What Is a Keratoma?
A keratoma is a benign tumor-like growth composed of keratin, the protein that makes up hair, hooves, and skin. In equines, they generally occur between the coffin bone (distal phalanx) and the hoof wall. With time, the mass can put pressure on adjacent tissues and bones, leading to pain, lameness, and hoof deformities.
What Causes Keratomas in Horses?
The definitive cause is not always apparent, yet a variety of factors can be involved:
- Chronic hoof trauma (e.g., from continued shoeing or trauma)
- Unfavorable hoof conformation
- Chronic infections or abscesses
- Genetic tendency (less often)
Though they can arise in any horse, keratomas are more commonly diagnosed in middle-aged horses with a history of recurring lameness or abscessation.
Signs and Symptoms
Keratomas tend to masquerade as other hoof issues, making them difficult to diagnose. They are characterized by:
- Intermittent lameness, particularly on solid ground
- Recurring abscesses of the hoof
- Abnormal hoof wall deformities (such as rings or bulging)
- Pain upon pressing a particular region of the hoof
- Abnormal or slowed growth of the hoof
Since these signs can mimic other problems, such as white line disease or laminitis, accurate diagnosis is critical.
Diagnosis
A veterinarian will generally begin with:
- Physical examination and testing of the hooves
- X-rays (radiographs): These can show a semicircular patch of bone remodeling or pressure caused by the keratoma.
- MRI or CT scans (in more sophisticated facilities): These give better pictures of soft tissues and establish the diagnosis.
Occasionally, the only way to diagnose a keratoma is by surgical removal and histopathology.
Treatment Options
The primary treatment for a keratoma is removal by surgery. This includes:
- Resecting (removing) part of the hoof wall
- Excising the keratoma mass
- Care of the open wound with therapeutic hoof care and bandaging
Care after surgery is important and can last several months, depending on the size of the lesion and the growth rate of the hoof. Pain management, infection control, and routine farriery are all vital to recovery.
Prognosis
With early detection and proper treatment, the majority of horses recover normally and resume their prior level of work. Recurrence can occur, though, if the keratoma is not totally eradicated. Persistent hoof health management is the best way to avoid future complications.
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Prevention
Not always preventable, but you can decrease your horse’s risk by:
- Having regular maintenance on the hooves by a competent farrier
- Promptly addressing any hoof injury or abscesses
- Keeping the horse well-nourished to promote hoof health
- Monitoring for subtle changes in gait or performance
Final Thoughts
While uncommon,Keratomas in Horses are a condition that every horse owner should be familiar with, particularly if your horse has repeated, unexplained hoof pain. Proactive diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference in keeping your horse comfortable and sound.
If your horse develops symptoms of long-term hoof problems, talk to your veterinarian immediately. Being proactive with hoof health can lead you to identify issues early and keep your horse on the track to a healthy, active life.
