Keratomas in Horses Hooves

Keratomas are a type of tumor that can occur in horses` hooves. They are typically slow-growing and non-cancerous, but can still cause significant lameness and discomfort for the affected horse.

Keratomas can develop in any part of the hoof, but are most commonly found in the toe area. They are caused by the abnormal growth of keratinocytes, which are the cells that produce keratin, the tough protein that makes up the hoof wall.

Farrier Quick Takes (Travis Burns): Follow-Up On A Keratoma Case

The exact cause of keratomas is not fully understood, but they are believed to result from some kind of trauma or injury to the hoof. This can be a single traumatic event, such as a severe blow to the hoof, or repeated minor injuries over time.

Symptoms of a keratoma can include lameness, heat and swelling in the affected area, and changes in the shape or appearance of the hoof. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor, which can be a challenging and complex procedure due to the location of the keratoma within the hoof.

After surgical removal, the horse will require careful management and monitoring to ensure proper healing and prevent complications such as infection or further lameness. In some cases, the horse may require ongoing therapeutic shoeing or other treatments to manage any remaining lameness or hoof deformities that resulted from the keratoma.