Sheared Heels in Horses
Key takeaways
Sheared heels in horses are a form of imbalance in the hoof, resulting in one heel becoming visibly taller than the other when viewed from behind. This asymmetry results in uneven weight distribution when the horse moves, which may result in lameness over time.
- Symptoms of sheared heels include visual asymmetry in the heels, flaring of the hoof wall on the shorter heel, and lameness
- Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, lameness examination, and X-rays, depending on the degree of lameness
- Treatment involves corrective trimming or shoeing to reduce the height of the taller heel
- In some cases, additional support is required through a special shoe (bar shoe) or application of a composite material
- The prognosis for sheared heels is good, although many horses require regular lifelong corrective trimming
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A closer look: Sheared Heels in Horses
Sheared heels result in abnormal weight bearing in the hoof during movement, which may result in lameness over time. Horses showing signs of sheared heels require prompt veterinary examination to begin a corrective trimming protocol. The prognosis for sheared heels is good with appropriate management.
Risk factors
Most horses with sheared heels are sound. In some cases, sheared heels can result in lameness. Horses that are sound may develop lameness over time, due to progression of the sheared heels or development of other associated hoof conditions.
Possible causes
There are several potential causes of sheared heels, most of which affect adult horses. Foals can develop sheared heels from angular limb deformities. Causes in adult horses include:
- Conformational faults that result in uneven loading of the heels when the horse steps down
- Improper trimming and shoeing
- Excessive use of traction devices (such as caulks or studs) on one side of the hoof
Main symptoms
Sheared heels appear as an irregular hoof capsule, where one heel is shorter than the other when the foot is viewed from behind, resulting in asymmetry of the hooves. The taller heel often has a straighter hoof wall, while the hoof wall on the shorter side may flare outward.
Testing and diagnosis
Identification of sheared heels is evident on physical examination. In horses showing signs of lameness, veterinarians perform additional testing to identify whether the sheared heels are the cause. Tests include:
- Lameness examination
- Application of hoof testers
- Local nerve blocks
- X-rays of the feet
Steps to Recovery
Treatment of sheared heels involves corrective shoeing or trimming to alter the weight loading of the hoof to counteract the abnormal heels. Typically, this is done by trimming the taller heel shorter, so the hooves are level. Other treatments may include:
- Bar shoeing to provide support to the entire hoof
- Corrective trimming/rasping the flared hoof wall
- Applying composite material to the shorter hoof wall to provide additional support
- Massage therapy to alter the horse’s posture
The prognosis of sheared heels is good, and most cases show significant improvement with consistent corrective trimming or shoeing. Soundness often improves and most horses are able to return to their previous level of performance. Many horses have underlying conformational faults that lead to sheared heels, so corrective trimming may be required for the remainder of a horse’s life.
Prevention
Early identification of angular limb deformities in newborn foals allows for prompt treatment to prevent sheared heels from developing. Proper trimming and shoeing throughout a horse’s life, based on careful consideration of any conformational faults, can also help prevent sheared heels.
Are Sheared Heels in Horses common?
Sheared heels are uncommon in horses.
Typical Treatment
- Corrective shoeing
- Trimming
