A hollow wall in horses can be caused by many different factors and leads to instability of the hoof. This can lead to further health problems in horses. It is therefore important to recognize this hoof disease as quickly as possible, take it seriously and treat it.
In this guide, we explain how you can recognize the signs of a hollow wall and what measures should be taken for treatment and prevention. You will also receive valuable tips on how to care for and stabilize the hooves to ensure your horse's long-term health.
What is a hollow wall - loose wall in a horse?
The hollow wall on the hoof is a separation of the horn wall and the horn of the white line. This means that the wall horn and the horn of the white line or the hoof wall, sole and horn capsule are spatially separated from each other.
Only in the area of the bearing edge and the nailing are breaking hoof walls referred to as loose walls. These damages merge into one another.
The causes of a hollow wall can be very diverse. However, the result is always a partial detachment of the horn wall from the hoof. Depending on the cause and extent, the horse may be lame. Unfortunately, such hoof problems are often recognized late or the first signs are not taken seriously.
Causes of a hollow wall in horses
Hollow walls due to the decomposition of the horn of the white line (WLD, White Line Disease)
Jet horn and the horn of the white line are of the soft horn type. In contrast to the hard horn of the wall and sole, this horn is much more easily decomposed by rotting processes. This is facilitated by pollutants from the stable bedding or the runs. This is a chemical pre-damage caused by ammonia and hydrogen sulphide. The damaged horn can then be enzymatically digested much more easily by fungi and bacteria. It dissolves almost completely. This process is like a kind of vicious circle, as it is self-perpetuating.
Fig. 2: WLD horn decomposition of the white line
Treatment
Successful treatment of the hollow wall in horses only works with regular, intensive hoof care. The decay processes must be consistently eliminated, which means disinfecting the affected areas. Sometimes larger, hollowed wall areas have to be removed or a drainage facility created in order to reach the uppermost areas of damage. Top stable hygiene and dry runs are a prerequisite.
Forecast
With good care, the missing wall horn grows downwards with normal hoof growth. After some time, the missing horn can also be replaced with artificial horn. In general, iron or aluminum shoes are recommended for better load distribution. Depending on the location and size of the defect, horses can also be moved or ridden normally.
Incorrect hoof trimming or too long hoof trimming intervals - shod or barehoofed
In particular, hoof walls that are bent outwards are often caused by incorrect or too timid hoof trimming and excessive shoeing intervals, when the lateral hoof walls are already slipping over the shoe as a result. The outwardly bent hoof walls cause the horn of the white line to be stretched, crack and detach from the sole horn. Rot can quickly work its way upwards in these detached areas.
In the long term, a deep dark channel forms instead of a closed white line. The entry of small stones worsens the situation drastically in bare hooves. Old and new nail holes are also an entry point for germs. Hoof walls damaged in this way break out easily, as there is no stable connection to the hoof.
Fig. 3: Large hollow wall due to advanced WLD
Treatment
The wall horn and the horn of the white line can be treated with the Keralit Hoof Stabilizer can be successfully stabilized. In addition, shorter hoof trimming and shoeing intervals of five to six weeks should be observed. The hoof wall should be stretched as far as possible. Only a hoof with straight horn walls from the coronet band to the weight-bearing band can bear weight.
Fig. 4: Strongly outwardly bent horn walls - hardly loadable. A farrier who dares to do something should be called in here.
As far as possible, a load-bearing hoof shape with straight walls should be aimed for. Only straight walls can transmit compressive forces. Crooked walls cannot do this, they are bent further and break out. Soap and hoof grease should not be applied to damaged areas. Damaged areas should be kept dry as far as possible. It is also important to pay attention to good stable hygiene.
Fig. 5: The same hoof shod correctly, in the 2nd shoeing period
Forecast
With consistent hoof care and treatment with Keralit hoof strengthener the prognosis is very good. The damage grows out with the normal growth rate. Smaller, new breakouts are normal - until the hoof shape is right again.
Defective positioning of the hoof - very flat wide hooves
Horses with naturally flat, wide hooves or horses with an anatomical positional anomaly (extremely narrow toes, wide toes) have a wide white line on the flat side of the hoof when in contact with the ground. This is naturally more susceptible to damage than steeper hooves with a narrow white line.
Treatment
Positioning faults - as far as anatomically justifiable - should be corrected in short hoof trimming intervals. The aim should be to achieve straight and resilient walls.
Forecast
The position of unshod horses should also be corrected frequently during hoof trimming intervals, as the horn wear is very uneven due to the asymmetrical load distribution on the hoof. Ask your farrier or hoof trimmer to show you where corrections should be made. Rounding off the edges at the bearing edge can also help.
This allows positional errors to be corrected continuously and gently. The use of the Keralit hoof strengthener makes sense. The side that wears too much is treated with it, while the other side, which wears less, remains untreated.
Horn wall damage as a result of hoof abscesses or severe bruising of the hoof wall
In the case of hoof abscesses, germs can work their way through the white line into the width and along the leaflet layer up to the coronet band. In most cases, the horses are clearly lame, as the putrefaction creates excess pressure. The resulting wall detachments can lead to a hollow wall, depending on the extent.
The same applies to severe bruising of the hoof wall. Here there is bleeding between the corium and the hoof wall. The horse may already show lameness due to the hoof inflammation. If this area grows towards the bearing edge over time, the farrier may drive a nail into the detached area unnoticed or a stone may enter the bare hoof. The result is the opening of the "cavity" for germs, with the symptoms of a hoof abscess already described.
Fig. 6: Hollow wall due to bruising on the hem band
Treatment
In acute cases, the abscess should first be opened. The extent should then be localized. A lot of wall horn is often removed unnecessarily here. Drainage or irrigation above and below is often sufficient.
Forecast
With good stable hygiene and daily rinsing with disinfectant solutions, after keratinization also with the Keralit hoof strengthenerthese hollow walls grow well downwards. The patency of the rinsing openings should be maintained for a long time. Shoeing is therefore often advisable as protection.
Hollow wall after a deer strike
Hoof inflammation in horses can lead to detachment of the wall horn, mainly in the toe area, in the case of laminitis after a bout of laminitis or in the case of chronic laminitis. The extent of the hollow wall and the position of the coffin bone should be clarified using x-rays. Treatment should be carried out by an experienced vet and farrier. The damage can often be bridged with artificial horn. However, decay processes that are still active must never be taped.
Fig. 7: Hollow wall due to laminitis
Treatment and prognosis
In principle, hoof diseases such as laminitis belong in the hands of experienced vets and hoof trimmers or farriers. Causes, severity and progression are so varied that no prognosis can be given here.
However, good horn quality on the healthy part of the hoof is essential for both horse and hoof trimmer. Accordingly, the use of Keralit Hoof Strengthener can only be recommended to protect the existing horn substance.