Sole Bruises in Horses
Key takeaways
Sole bruises are a common condition affecting horses.
- Sharp impacts to the bottom of a horse’s hoof cause blood vessels inside to rupture, leading to pain and lameness
- Sole bruises are not life-threatening, although if a bruise becomes infected it can lead to more serious hoof abscesses
- Diagnostics include a physical examination, lameness examination, and diagnostic imaging
- Sole bruises usually heal on their own, without medical intervention, although paring the affected hoof sole away may be required in severe cases
- Some horses have thinner or softer soles that are more susceptible to bruising
- Specialized boots, regular hoof upkeep, and care while traversing hard and rough terrain may prevent bruising
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A closer look: Sole Bruises in Horses
Sole bruises are very common, and can be painful. Bruises may predispose horses to developing hoof abscesses, a localized accumulation of pus inside affected hooves, which is more serious.
Lame or limping horses benefit from immediate medical intervention.
Risk factors
Corns are a type of sole bruise occurring towards a horse’s heel. Corn bruises may be discolored, appearing either yellow or red. Most corns are dry, but some may exude fluid or become moist if they become infected.
Possible causes
Sole bruises are caused by hard impact to the hoof sole during movement, which rupture blood vessels inside the hoof. This can be caused by jumping, falling, walking on irregular surfaces, or exercise on hard ground. Walking or riding a horse across hard, rocky terrain is a common cause of sole bruises.
Factors that predispose horses to developing sole bruises include:
- Having thin soles
- Having flat feet
- Excessive moisture in the hoof or soft hoof soles
- Improper trimming or improperly fitted shoes
- Abnormal hoof conformation
Main symptoms
Symptoms of sole bruises include:
- Lameness, which may be severe
- Identifiable areas of red or pink hoof wall or sole in horses with white hooves
Mild sole bruises are usually asymptomatic.
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnostics include:
- A physical examination
- Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays
- Lameness examination, including hoof testing
Steps to Recovery
Sole bruises often heal on their own without requiring intervention. Affected animals benefit from reduced activity and exercise while recovering.
When indicated, treatment includes:
- Removing shoes
- Paring down the sole to remove the affected sole
- Reduced workload
- Poulticing and bandaging the hoof
- Drainage of suppurating corns
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatories
Sole bruises have an excellent prognosis, although continued hard impacts prolong the recovery process. Horses that repeatedly develop sole bruises may have an underlying issue, such as thin soles, that needs further assessment.
Prevention
Preventative measures include:
- Proper hoof care, including routine trimming and properly fitted horseshoes
- Using protective boots or shoes when working on hard or rocky ground
- Taking care while walking across difficult or hard terrain
Bruises are not contagious.
Is Sole Bruises in Horses common?
Sole bruises are common, and more so among horses with softer or thinner soles.
Typical Treatment
- Paring down the sole to remove affected tissue
- Reduced workload
- Poulticing the hoof
- Antibiotics
