sides of the coffin (the bone closest to the ground) and act as an extension of it. The thinner upper edges
of the cartilage can be felt above the coronary band while the thicker edge is toward the bottom of the foot.
Their purpose is to allow the foot to expand slightly when weight bearing. On the top of the frog (toward
the inside of the hoof) and under the coffin bone is the Digital Cushion that helps absorb the shock of
weight landing on the foot. Horses with sound feet have both thick collateral cartilages as well as the digital
cushion.
Going outward in the 3D hoof is the laminae. These are interlocking leaf like structures that surround the
coffin bone and attach it to the hoof wall. There are 500-600 primary laminae and 150-200 secondary
laminae all working toward attaching the hoof to the bone. The attachment is so strong when healthy, that it
achieves the coffin bone suspension even with 2000 pounds of force landing on the forefoot when running.
Impressive!
GO WRONG
Arthritis can develop between the hoofs joints just as it does in humans and other mammals. Wearing down
of the cartilage that covers the ends or some extra bone growth such as spurs cause pain and limit the
smooth movement of the bones against one another. Excessive bone growth at the coffin joint (ringbone)
can also develop due to stress of concussion. Additionally, any bone can fracture or completely remodel
due to stresses. With any structural deviation or malfunction, the lever part of movement is compromised.
It’s not just the bones themselves that cause lameness. Excessive stresses to the ligaments and tendons
can cause sprains, strains, tearing and complete separation, any of which is serious and must be attended
to immediately.
More...
• Lay-ups
• Eye treatments
• In-stall camera monitoring
• Foaling and mare care
Owner operated, we offer 24-hour coverage of
your horse in a secure and safe environment.
We also offer retirement plans for elderly or compromised horses.
Let us make a difference with your horse.
www.EliteEquestrian.us 51
WHATCAN
possibly ?
Phantom Brook Farm offers assisted veterinary care/convalescent services
as directed by your own veterinarian and performed by a certified
veterinary technician. Those services include but are not limited to:
• Wound care
• Hand walking
• Clinical lab test
performed on site
• Medication dosing
• Ice water system therapy
• Postoperative care
• Leg injuries
Joe and Marilyn Heath, CVT, MS
203 Washburn Ave. Washington, NJ 07882
(908) 689-4428
www.phantombrookfarm.com
pbfarm@comcast.net