Posted by Danvers on April 10, 2003 at 10:40:43:
In Reply to: toe crack on yearling need advice posted by Sarah on April 10, 2003 at 03:17:20:
: The TB yearling was trimmed a week or so before the crack appeared & it appeared suddenly. Yearling is 'bout 3 legged lame with crack in near hind. crack is just off center of the apex of the toe rising up a full inch. The sole shows the crack as well extending from the toe into the groove of the frog. Crack is not wide, the vet recommends a toe clip is this enough? I have no time to experiment with this one.
Hi Sarah,
A couple of things don't sound good here. First of all, a toe crack that's not communicating with the coronary band would not typically result in lameness, certainly not a lameness as severe as you indicate, which would imply that there's some communication with sensitive tissues and possibly an abscessation.
Likewise, although cracks can often be seen from the solar surface of the hoof, it shouldn't extend beyond the white line into the sole as you indicate. And it especially shouldn't extend all the way from the toe into the commisure of the frog.
If your vet has had a look and feels comfortable with it, it's likely all right. But, based upon the description you provide here, it sounds much more than "toe clip serious." If your vet hasn't seen it or if it's gotten worse since s/he saw it, I would recommend that you get him/her out asap to determine what structures are involved.
~~Danvers