Table of Contents

Sand Cracks in Horses

Sand Cracks in Horses are fissures in the wall of the hoof parallel to the horn tubules, extending from the coronet to the plantar border. It is usually met with in the toe region of the hind feet and the inner quarter of the fore feet.

Hoof wall cracks are generally described by their location (toe, quarter, heel, or bar), length (partial- or full-length), depth (superficial or deep), and the presence or absence of hemorrhage or infection. In most instances, the underlying wall damage is considerably more extensive than that noted from the exterior. These cracks may occur in the front or hind feet and may be superficial (only involve the hoof tissue) or deep (if the crack is full-thickness and involves the sensitive laminae beneath).

These cracks may begin at the bearing surface of the wall and extend variable distances up the hoof wall, or they may originate at the coronary band and extend distally. Quarter cracks and heel cracks are usually the most severe because they often involve the sensitive laminae. Affected horses are usually lame and haemorrhage after exercise may be noticed. Infection within the hoof crack is commonly observed.

Classification of Sand Cracks

Complete sand crack, when the fissure is extending from the coronet to the plantar border
Incomplete sand crack, when it extends only for a short distance
Superficial, when the fissure involves only part of the thickness of the wall of the hoof
Deep, when it involves the entire thickness of the wall
Straight or sinus according to its course
Recent or old, depending on duration
Simple or complicated, depend on degree of damage to the sensitive tissues.

In complicated sand crack there is pus formation and the suppuration may separate on to surrounding tissues.