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Following a bout of laminitis
(founder), Beau, a 12 year old
Tennessee Walking Horse, was
continuing to have intermittent
lameness on both front feet that
would only temporarily resolve
with bute. On thorough
examination of his foot, Dr.
Paul expressed concern about the
integrity of Beau's white line.
Radiographs (x-rays) of Beau's
feet revealed fairly advanced
white line disease.
What is
white line disease?
Also sometimes called seedy toe,
white line disease is a term
used to describe anytime that an
abnormal separation occurs
between the hoof wall and the
sole. The white line is the area
on the external surface of the
hoof that marks the connection
between the hoof wall and sole.
Weakness can result in this area
from mechanical stress
(overgrown feet), a wet
environment, chronic abscesses,
or laminitis. The weakness leads
to a breakdown of the whiteline
which allows dirt, debris and
bacteria to become packed into
the foot and worsen the stress
on the whiteline. If left
untreated, the entire hoof wall
can become undermined causing
pain and loss of integrity of
the weight-bearing structures of
the foot.
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