Recent surgeries

Keratoma removal

Keratomas are benign abnormal accumulations of keratin (horn protein) within the hoof capsule, which slowly expand and cause a defect to form at the white line.

The horse pictured had suffered intermittent drainage of pus from the toe, although lameness was rarely present. The keratoma was removed as shown. Postoperatively the defect was carefully bandaged until it had granulated (filled in). After 2 months, the defect was clean and dry; it was filled with plastic horn prior to re-shoeing and return to exercise.