Foot infections are a common source of lameness in the horse. Understanding the causes of these infections and identifying their clinical signs are key to getting a horse back on the path toward health. Raul Bras, certified journeyman farrier and a veterinarian at Rood & Riddle in Lexington, Ky. discussed some of the different foot infections a hoof-care professional is likely to encounter, the importance of early identification and types of veterinary interventions that may be necessary at the Midwest Equine Podiatry Conference in Arlington, Wis. The conference was presented by Lodi Veterinary Care and Country View Equine Clinic.

Causes of Infections

Foot infections occur when a large number of microorganisms breach the protective barrier of the cornified hoof capsule — namely, the hoof wall, sole or frog — and invade the…