Can thyroid concerns lead to poor hoof quality?

Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is a twice-a-month web segment that is designed to add to the education of footcare professionals when it comes to effectively feeding the hoof. The goal of this web-exclusive feature is to zero in on specific areas of hoof nutrition and avoid broad-based articles that simply look at the overall equine feeding situation.

Below you will find Part 1 of the latest question and answer installment that you can share with your footcare clients.

Q: Can thyroid concerns lead to poor hoof quality?

By J. Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS, and Scott Gravlee, DVM, CNS, Life Data Labs

The amino acid tyrosine and the mineral iodine are components of the thyroid hormone. A deficiency of either can lead to low thyroid function, obesity, poor hair coat and poor hoof quality.

The relationship between tyrosine, iodine, hoof problems and obesity is very strong.

Frank Gravlee and Scott Gravlee are veterinarians and equine nutritionists at Life Data Labs, Inc.in Cherokee, Ala.

Click here to read Part 2 of the April 1, 2019 installment: How do I go about planning the proper diet for my laminitic horse?

Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.