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Toe white line separation associated with the notch (crena marginalis) on the distal phalanges in Thoroughbred
Fumio Sato1, Naoto Otsuka2, Atsutoshi Kuwano1
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan.
Insights
The hoof
Area of Science:
- Equine Podiatry
- Veterinary Radiology
- Equine Anatomy
Background:
- The hoof's white line shape correlates with the distal phalanx (P3) notch.
- Toe white line separation is a concern in equine hoof care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the P3 notch morphology and toe white line separation in Thoroughbred yearlings.
Main Methods:
- Radiographic examination of the distal phalanx (P3) in 163 Thoroughbred yearlings.
- Analysis of P3 notch depth and width in correlation with toe white line separation grades (0-3).
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between increased toe white line separation grade and increased P3 notch depth and width.
- Horses with higher grades of toe white line separation exhibited deeper and wider notches on the P3.
Conclusions:
- Radiographic assessment of the distal phalanx (P3) notch may aid in predicting and preventing hoof white line separation.
- Early detection through P3 radiography can inform proactive hoof care strategies.
Abstract:
The shape of the white line of the hoof is closely related to the shape of the notch on the dorsal distal bearing border of the distal phalanx (P3). In this study, a radiographic survey of the P3 of both forelimbs of 163 Thoroughbred yearling horses was conducted. The correlation of the depth and width of the notch were analyzed with the toe white line separation grades (0 to 3). As a result, the toe white line separation grade increased, the depth and the width of the notch also increased significantly. Radiographic examination of the P3 of the forelimbs might be useful for deciding whether to implement hoof care to prevent onset of toe white line separation.
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