E

EAGLE EYE

The ability to shape a horseshoe to fit properly after only a brief look at the hoof. See also: Norman; Ralph; Tag; Spike; Stubby.

EGG-BAR SHOE or EGGBAR

A form of bar shoe which resembles the letter "O", with a curved, rather than straight bar connecting the heels of the horseshoe. Eggbars are used to extend posterior support well behind the buttresses of the heels of the hoof.

ELBOW HITTING

Striking of the point of the elbow joint by the hoof of the same limb or its horseshoe. Injury from elbow hitting is possible, but is sometimes confused with injury caused while the hrse is lying down with his legs folded beneath him.

EPIDERMIS

The outer, protective, nonvascular layer of the skin which covers the dermis. The hoof wall, horny laminae and other horny hoof structures are epidermal.

EPIPHYSEAL PLATES

Cartilages near the ends of bones which which allow them to grow lengthwise. As the horse matures, the plates ossify or close. The more distal plates close first. a.k.a: Growth Plates; Epiphyseal Cartilages.

EPITHELIUM

Thin membrane tissues covering most of the body's structures and organs, internal and external. Also describes the the first layers that heal over a wound.

ETIOLOGY

The study of causes. a.k.a: AEtiology.

EXFOLIATE

To shed or flake off dead tissue. The sole of the hoof, for example, normally exfoliates as it grows down.

EXOSTOSIS

Abnormal bony growth. Aka: False ring bone.

EXPANSION

(1.)The very sight outward movement of the quarters of the hoof which may occur during weight bearing, and/or the increase in solar width which occurs as the hoof grows down. (2.) In refrence to a horseshoe, expansion describes the practice of fitting the posterior half of the shoe larger than the hoof to allow for hoof expansion.

EXTENDED HEEL

A long heel on a horseshoe. Usually fit parallel to the center-line of the hoof, and in line with the direction of travel.

EXTENSION

The movement of a horse's leg forward due to the use of extensor tendons.

EXTENSOR PROCESS

The point of insertion of the main digital extensor tendon into the PIII.

EXTENSOR PROCESS DISEASE

See: Pyramidal disease.

EXTENT

To open or increase the angle of the bones of a joint.

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