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Hoof wall avulsion in horses

Hoof wall avulsion is a severe injury where part or all of the hoof wall separates from the sensitive laminae beneath. Although the injury can look alarming, understanding the signs, common causes and treatment options can help you respond calmly and effectively

  • Last reviewed: 5th February 2026
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Signs and symptoms

Horses with hoof wall avulsion typically show sudden and noticeable lameness, which may vary from mild irregular movement to complete non‑weight‑bearing depending on how much wall has detached1.

The affected area may show clear physical damage, including partial or full lifting of the hoof wall, bleeding or exposed laminae1. Inflammation is common, often causing increased heat in the hoof and a strong, bounding digital pulse1. Affected horses often show pain reactions when the coronary band is touched or may be reluctant to move due to discomfort.

Causes

Most hoof wall avulsions result from high‑impact trauma that forcefully separates the hoof wall from its internal attachments1. Entrapment injuries, such as catching a hoof in fencing, gates or stable fixtures, are common causes1.

Direct impact, including falls, kicks against hard surfaces or collisions, can also create enough force to tear the wall away1. In some severe cases, overreaching may cause an avulsion1. Underlying issues such as chronic infections, weakened horn quality or poor hoof care can lead to structural failure during stress1.

Treatment

If your horse has a hoof wall avulsion, call your vet immediately. The injury may involve deeper structures such as tendons, ligaments or synovial tissues, increasing the risk of infection or long‑term lameness1.

Initial treatment often includes careful cleaning and surgical debridement by your vet to remove contaminated or damaged tissue. Where the coronary band is affected, precise stitching is sometimes needed to continue correct hoof growth1.

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed by your vet to reduce infection risk, while anti‑inflammatory medications help manage pain and swelling1. Supportive stabilisation, such as casting, protective boots or specialised shoeing, may be necessary to protect exposed tissue and maintain hoof function1.

Hoof wall regrowth is slow, typically requiring nine–twelve months for complete recovery1.

Prevention

Many cases can be avoided by maintaining safe environments, including secure fencing, hazard‑free stabling/housing and careful management of turnout areas. Routine trimming and balanced farriery reduce mechanical stress on the hoof wall, promoting strength and reducing the chance of traumatic detachment1.

Providing your horse with a balanced diet supports hoof health, helps strengthen the horn and improves overall hoof integrity. For horses prone to overreaching, protective gear such as bell (overreach) boots can offer effective additional protection.

References

  1. Waguespack, R.W. (2010). Management of traumatic injuries to the equine foot.

Get in touch - we're here to help

Our Horse Care and Welfare team are here to help and can offer you further advice with any questions you may have. Contact us on 02476 840517* or email welfare@bhs.org.uk. You can also get in touch with us via our social media channels. 

Opening times are 8.35am–5pm from Monday – Thursday and 8.35am–3pm on Friday. 

*Calls may be recorded for monitoring purposes.