White line disease goes by several names. Seedy toe, yeast infection and wall separation are just a few. Not everyone agrees as to the exact cause of white line disease, but it does appear to be anaerobic in nature. Once the affected area is exposed to the air, the condition will usually be arrested and the affected area eventually grows out with the hoof wall.

Treatment Options

Treatment has traditionally been to dig out the infected area with a small pick or Dremel-type tool and then treat the affected area with some form of liquid or creamy chemical. The chemical can be any of the traditional off-the-shelf preparations such as Fungidye, Merthiolate, formalin, White Lightning or various thrush medicines. 

Often, these remedies will stop the progress of the infection. Even very caustic solutions like gasoline or turpentine have some temporary effect. Feed additives have an effect as well.

Dealing With Larger Infections

Sometimes the disease is very advanced or will not respond to traditional remedies. If a relatively large area — say 2 or 3 square inches — is involved…