What should I do if a hoof crack is bleeding? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If a hoof crack is bleeding, clean area and take a proper look straight away. A small amount of bleeding can happen if the crack has gone deep enough to reach sensitive tissue, or if the hoof has been knocked or caught. It doesn't always mean a major problem, but it does mean the hoof needs attention and monitoring.

Start by checking how much it's bleeding, whether the horse is sore, and whether the crack seems to be spreading. If the bleeding is more than a light smear, keeps coming back, or the horse is lame, it's sensible to get professional advice.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the bleeding is fresh and active, or just a small amount of dried blood on the surface.

2. Look for heat, swelling, tenderness, or any change in how the horse is standing or moving.

3. Inspect the crack closely to see if it runs from the ground surface upwards, or if it looks deep and open.

4. Check for mud, bedding, manure, stones or other debris packed into the crack.

5. Look at the whole hoof for uneven wear, chipping, loosened wall, or a second crack nearby.

6. Notice whether the horse has recently had wet turnout, hard ground, extra work, or a knocked hoof that could have started the problem.

7. See if the horse is reluctant to pick up the foot, or reacts when you gently handle the area.

Common Causes

The most common reasons are a hoof wall crack that has opened further, a hoof that has become brittle or weakened, or a knock that has caused a split to bleed a little.

Wet and dry changes can make the hoof wall expand and contract, which may worsen an existing crack. Overgrown feet, imbalanced trimming, or uneven loading can also put extra strain on one area.

Less commonly, a deeper crack may have reached sensitive tissue, or there may be an underlying hoof issue that needs professional assessment.

What To Do

Keep the horse on a clean, dry surface if you can. Gently remove loose dirt from around the hoof, but don't probe deep into the crack.

If the bleeding is slight, you can monitor it closely and note whether it settles. If the hoof is dirty, rinse carefully and dry it well afterwards. Avoid picking at loose hoof wall, as that can make the crack worse.

Limit hard work and rough ground until the hoof has been checked and the crack is more stable. Make a note of any lameness, heat, or worsening gap so you can explain it clearly if you need advice.

Products That May Help

Keeping the hoof area as clean and dry as practical can be helpful as part of your normal routine when you're dealing with hoof cracks, mud and general hoof hygiene.

Hoof, Leg & Mud Care

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