ABSTRACT. In horses with chronic laminitis, an abnormal horny structure called lamellar wedge, is generated between the hoof wall and the laminar epidermis. To be able to manage horses with chronic laminitis correctly, more information about the pathological state of this abnormal horn is required. The aim of this study was to collect and analyze objective morphological data about the abnormal horn in order to understand its morphology and development. In the study, the abnormal horn was grossly visible on the sagittal hoof section from approximately 20 days after the onset of disease. In the histological observations, the structural characteristics of this abnormal horn were similar to the white line tissue, suggesting it is an ectopic white line. Mean value of the cross-sectional area of the abnormal horn against the distal phalanx section area (A/D) was 0.29 cm 2 SD ± 0.14 and it finally showed an eight-fold increase over the mean value of normal white line section area against the distal phalanx section area. In conclusion, a large amount of the ectopic white line is thought to be finally able to inhibit normal hoof wall growth, so that it should be resected at the optimum time when would be after one month from the onset of the disease.
SummaryThe number of tubules/mm2 (tubule density) of horse hoof horn was quantified in samples taken from the left forefeet of 8 randomly selected slaughterhouse horses in order to establish the normal tubule density characteristics at the midline dead centre (MDC) for the stratum medium of horse hoof. In the past the measurement of tubule distribution within the hoof has lacked objectivity. The horse hoof tubule density results are compared to a recent objective study carried out on pony hoof. A similar 4 zone pattern of tubule density was observed, although the precise zonal boundaries and tubule density values differed to those found for pony hoof. There were significant differences in tubule density between zones. Comparison with pony hoof revealed significant tubule density differences in zones 1, 2 and 4; however, there was no significant difference in zone 3. The existence of a 4 zoned pattern of tubule density for horse hoof, as for pony hoof, has been confirmed.
Summary The effect of dietary biotin supplementation, at a dose rate of 0.12 mg/kg bwt, on growth and growth rate of the hooves of 8 match‐paired ponies was investigated in a controlled feeding trial. Treatment animals had a mean hoof growth at the midline dead centre of the hoof capsule of 35.34 mm after 5 months of biotin supplementation compared to control animals 30.69 nun (P<0.05). Comparison of regression analysis also showed that biotin supplementation produced a significantly higher (P<0.02) growth rate of hoof horn in this trial. Treatment animals had a 15% higher growth rate of hoof horn and 15% more hoof growth at the midline dead centre, after 5 months of biotin supplementation compared to control ponies. No differences were found between feet for growth of horn, but the older animals in the trial had significantly lower hoof growth (P<0.05) than the remaining ponies.
Summary A finite element model of donkey hoof wall was constructed from measurements taken directly from the hoof capsule of the left forefoot. The model was created with a 2 mm mesh and consisted of 11608 nodes. A linear elastic analysis was conducted assuming isotropic material properties in response to a 375 newton (N) load, to simulate static loading. The load was applied to the wall via 400 laminae in order to simulate the way in which the pedal bone is suspended within the donkey hoof capsule. Displacement, stress concentration, principal strain, and force distribution across the hoof wall were evaluated. The hoof wall model revealed loading responses that were in broad agreement with previously reported in vivo and modelled observations of the equid hoof. Finite element analysis offers the potential to model hoof wall function at the macroscopic and microscopic level. In this way, it could help to develop further our understanding of the functional relationship between the structural organisation and material properties of the hoof wall.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.