This hoof is a capsule full of fungus that has gone up

and broke through the surface.  It looks like abscessing but,

there was never any lameness, infection or typical soreness.

When you see a crack like this, fungus or bacteria has gone up inside the capsule from the ground  and the

wall will weaken can crack open (like from nail holes).  Just nipper off the loose wall and rasp the wall to a

more attached surface to prevent snagging.  This hoof was treated with white lightning  after smoothing

out the break.

This horse had four feet with fungus and bacterial infections.  The hooves received 3 treatments and became

very strong in the heel and frog area quickly.  Prior to the treatments the digital cushion was mushy.

This crack showed up suddenly one day and shows how fungus will go up the tubules of the capsule

wall and as it gets to the surface and the hoof flexes.  The surface will rip a horizontal tear that usually is

at the same angle as the hairline.  The rasp was set on the edge and feathered into the tear, and then a

treatment of white lightning.  The crack was gone in a couple of months.

     This is a 1 1/2 year old filly that had not had hoof care and was wearing, a long  underrun capsule that had weakened the quarters. 

I suspect this split apart probably snagging on something while running, the way it looked.. 

     What was done was to remove all detached horn which was the piece that had broke away.  And back the toe up to the crease you

can see in the 1st picture, showing where the natural toe wanted to be.  She had never had her feet done before and stood so good. 

I know animals not in extreme pain understand when you are helping, and she stood for all 4 feet to be trimmed..

     This little girl went out in the he field that she lived without any protective coverings or treatments, etc. I went over

about 5 months later and took pictures of the feet (never picked, trimmed and living on soft field dirt), and yes they needed

trimming and balance but were healthy.   I personally would not recommend this but, it shows how the body heals.  There was no

scar in the capsule as the damages to the coronary band were superficial. 

     I did not do what I would have hoped the owner would do is white lightning treatment.  Because of the situation I did flush the area with

a stronger solution of apple cider vinegar the day of the trim and the next morning before she trotted off down the drive way.