Term

Therapeutic farriery term category

Definition

Abaxial

Anatomical

Away from the axis of a body part. In Therapeutic Farriery refers to the digit or foot.

Abscess

Pathological process

An accumulation of purulent exudate. In the foot, this usually refers to a localized accumulation of exudate between the germinal and keratinised layers of the epithelium, most commonly subsolar or submural.

Acute laminitis

Disease

1) The initial stages of clinical laminitis. 2) The phase of laminitis beginning with the onset of clinical signs that lasts until either resolution or displacement of the distal phalanx occurs.

Angle of the sole

Anatomical

Palmarmost or plantarmost part of the crura of the sole between the hoof wall at the heel and the bar.

Synonym: seat of corn.

Arteriovenous anastomosis

Anatomical

A direct communication between the arterial and venous circulations without an intervening capillary bed.

Axial

Anatomical

Towards the axis of a body part. In Therapeutic Farriery refers to the digit or foot.

Balance

Descriptive (clinical)

An anatomical and functional concept that describes the relationship between the hoof capsule, the underlying musculoskeletal system and the ground. Can be considered as a subclassification or a separate definition to conformation. 'In balance' is best described as a harmonious relationship between the hoof capsule and the deep musculoskeletal structures that is most likely to permit lasting soundness.

Bar

1) The inflexion of the hoof wall that lies between the crura of the sole and paracuneal sulcus; 2) Any part of a shoe that extends from one branch towards the other. May be partial or complete.

Basement membrane

Anatomical

A thin membrane underlying a layer of epithelial cells. In the foot it underlies the stratum basale of the epidermis. It conforms to the surface of the dermal papillae and lamellae.

Bilateral

Anatomical

Pertaining to both sides of the body, i.e. left and right limb.

Breakover

Descriptive (clinical)

The phase of the stride between the time the heel lifts off the ground and the time the toe lifts off the ground.

Breakover point (point of breakover)

Descriptive (clinical)

The most dorsal part of the ground surface, either the hoof capsule in the unshod horse or the shoe in the shod horse that is in contact with the ground at the moment the heels begin to rise off the ground.

Broken-back foot-pastern axis

Descriptive (clinical)

The angle that the dorsal hoof wall makes with the ground is lower than the angle the dorsum of the pastern makes with the ground. This angle can be measured using radiographs but it is difficult to measure accurately because it changes with positioning and weightbearing.

Broken-forward foot-pastern axis

Descriptive (clinical)

The angle that the dorsal hoof wall makes with the ground is greater than the angle the dorsum of the pastern makes with the ground. This angle can be measured using radiographs but it is difficult to measure accurately because it changes with positioning and weightbearing.

Bruise

Pathological process

Haemorrhage within tissues usually caused by blunt trauma. In the foot most commonly occurs in the solar dermis and is seen when extravasated blood migrates into the epidermis. May be focal or diffuse.

Buttress

Anatomical

The most palmar/plantar aspect of the hoof wall at the heels. Formed at the point of inflexion of the wall at the heels. Synonym: angle of the wall.

Buttress foot

Descriptive (clinical)

A change in shape of the foot characterised by a prominence at the dorsal coronet caused by an exostosis on the extensor process of the distal phalanx.

Canker

Disease

A chronic, hypertrophic, moist podermatitis that usually affects the frog, bars and adjacent sole. Often accompanied by a foul odour.

Capsular rotation

Descriptive (clinical)

Describes the divergence of the dorsal hoof wall from the dorsal parietal surface of the distal phalanx independent of the relationship of the distal phalanx with the phalangeal axis. Results from laminitis or white line disease.

Chronic laminitis

Disease

The phase of laminitis that begins with separation of the dermal and epidermal lamellae resulting in mechanical collapse of the foot. Results in displacement of the distal phalanx relative to its normal relationship with the hoof capsule.

Club foot

Descriptive (clinical)

An upright conformation of the foot associated with a flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint. The dorsal hoof wall angle is steep accompanied by a broken-forward footpastern axis. The distance between the heels is normal.

Conformation

Descriptive (clinical)

The size and shape of the distal limb determined by the shape and size of the individual structures of the limb and the spatial relationship between them.

Contracted heels

Descriptive (clinical)

Decreased width of the palmar/plantar aspect of the foot so that the heel bulbs and buttresses are closer together than normal. Associated with a decrease in frog width relative to the length. May be associated with elongated or collapsed heels.

Corium

Anatomical

Synonym for dermis.

Corn

Disease

Bruise in the angle of the sole.

Corona

Anatomical

Band-like proximal portion of the hoof, including epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue deep and distal to the limbus.

Coronal

Anatomical

Pertaining to a coronal structure. Specifically, the corona of the foot.

Coronary band

Anatomical

Synonym for corona.

Coronary groove

Anatomical

A groove in the proximal border of the hoof capsule that contains the germinal layers of the epidermis, the dermis, and subcutaneous tissue of the coronary integument. Synonym: coronary sulcus.

Coronet

Anatomical

Proximal border of the hoof capsule wall.

Crena

Anatomical

A shallow notch in the dorsal solar margin of the distal phalanx (P3).

Cuneate

Anatomical

Pertaining to the frog.

Dermal lamellae

Anatomical

Lamellae formed by the parietal dermis, which interdigitate with the epidermal lamellae.

Dermis

Anatomical

Layer of integument between the subcutaneous tissue and the epidermis. Composed of connective tissue, vessels and nerves.

Derotation

Descriptive (clinical)

See realignment of distal phalanx.

Developmental laminitis

Disease

The phase of laminitis between the initiating cause and the development of lameness. Synonym: prodromal laminitis.

Digit

Anatomical

The extremity of the limb distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Digital cushion

Anatomical

Modified subcutaneous tissue composed of fat, connective, and elastic tissue. The digital cushion is the sum of the cuneate (frog) and toric (bulbar) cushions. Forms the bulbs of the heels. Thought to function by dissipating energy.

Distal displacement of the third phalanx

Pathological process

Even movement of the distal phalanx distally within the hoof capsule in horses with laminitis such that the distal phalanx remains in alignment with the dorsal hoof wall and the phalangeal axis. Often referred to as a 'sinker'. As opposed to rotation of the distal phalanx.

Distal phalanx

Anatomical

Most distal bone of the limb. Encased within the hoof capsule. Synonyms: third phalanx, coffin bone, os ungulare and P3.

Dorsal

Anatomical

In the limbs this refers to the cranial facing surfaces from the carpus and hock distally. Opposite to ventral, palmar and plantar.

Dropped sole

Pathological process

Collapse of the normal arch or concavity of the sole so that the sole is flat or convex.

Duckett's bridge

Descriptive (farrier)

Refers to a transverse line drawn across the centre of the foot. The bridge lies on an imaginary line drawn vertically through the centre of rotation of the distal interphalangeal joint and corresponds to the widest part of the foot. Provides a good reference point for trimming the foot.

Duckett's dot

Descriptive (farrier)

An external reference point located 10 mm behind the apex of the trimmed frog on the average size foot. Reference point which is used to locate the centre of the distal phalanx.

Dynamic balance

Descriptive (clinical)

The concept of balance applied to feet of an animal in motion. Mediolateral dynamic balance describes the relationship between the medial and lateral side of the foot as it lands. Dorsopalmar dynamic balance describes the relationship between the toe and the heels as the foot lands.

Epidermal lamellae

Anatomical

Lamellae formed by the parietal epidermis.

Epidermis

Anatomical

Most superficial layer of the skin or integument.

False sole

Descriptive (clinical)

A false sole is a layer of cornified epithelium that is detached from an underlying layer of cornified solar epithelium that is attached to germinal epithelium and dermis in the normal fashion. May result from a previous abscess.

Flare

Descriptive (clinical)

A local or general deviation of the hoof wall away from the central axis of the foot.

Flat footed

Descriptive (clinical)

A hoof capsule that has no concavity to the sole.

Flexural

Descriptive (clinical)

Abnormal flexion of a joint, frequently the distal deformity interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joint, caused by relative shortening of the musculotendinous structures on the flexor surface of the limb.

Floating

Descriptive (farrier)

To unload a section of the foot by creating a space between the foot and the shoe.

Foot

Anatomical

The specialised extremity of the digit. The hoof and all structures enclosed within it.

Foot-pastern axis FPA

Descriptive (clinical)

The axis formed by the dorsal surface of the hoof wall and axis FPA the dorsal surface of the pastern viewed from the lateral aspect.

Founder

Pathological process

A lay term for chronic laminitis: the latter term is preferred.

Frog

Anatomical

The 'digital pad' of the horse which includes the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It lies between medial and lateral bars and crura of the sole.

Gravel

Descriptive (clinical)

A lay term for a variety of abscesses involving the dermal, soft tissue structures of the foot, especially those that drain at the coronary band.

Heel

Anatomical

Palmar portion of the foot that includes the bulbs and the palmarmost aspects of the wall, sole and frog.

Heel bulb

Anatomical

Integument immediately proximal to the point of inflexion of the wall palmarly/plantarly. The stratum corneum forms the bulbs of the hoof capsule and the subcutaneous tissue forms the palmar part of the digital cushion.

Hoof

Anatomical

Integument of the foot and includes the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue (tela subcutanea).

Hoof angle

Descriptive (clinical)

The angle the dorsal hoof wall makes with the ground.

Hoof capsule

Anatomical

Horny hoof, formed by the cornified or horny epidermis (stratum corneum) of the limbus, corona, wall, sole, frog and heel bulbs.

Hoof-pastern axis

Anatomical

Synonym: foot-pastern axis

Hoof rings

Descriptive (clinical)

Rings formed in the hoof wall distal to the coronet that are associated with variations in hoof wall growth.

Hoof wall

Anatomical

Horny wall formed by the stratum internum, stratum medium and stratum externum.

Hoof wall separation

Descriptive (clinical)

Disruption of the hoof wall's structural integrity. Commonly seen where all or part of the stratum medium is separated from the stratum internum.

Horn-lamellar distance (HL)

Descriptive (radiographic)

Distance measured between the dorsal parietal surface of the distal phalanx and the outer surface of the hoof wall. Synonym for the thickness of the dorsal parietal hoof (preferred).

Insensitive lamellae

Anatomical

A historic synonym for epidermal lamellae.

Jamming

Descriptive (clinical)

Jargon that describes the proximal displacement of the coronary band due to excessive loading of the wall distal to that area.

Keratoma

Disease

A tumour of the keratin producing cells of the epidermis of the hoof.

Lamella

Anatomical

A thin flat layer. Ridges formed by interdigitation of the parietal dermis (dermal lamellae) and epidermis (epidermal lamellae) that extend in a proximal to distal direction in the wall of the hoof. Synonym: lamina.

Lamellar

Anatomical

Pertaining to the lamella. Synonym: laminar.

Lamina

Anatomical

Used interchangeably with lamella, though the latter is preferred.

Laminitic rings

Descriptive (clinical)

Refers to unequal hoof wall growth at the coronet that results in a disparity of growth between the toe and the heels i.e. unequal width of rings, which are further apart at the heels than the toe.

Laminitis

Pathological process

Idiopathic inflammation or ischaemia of the submural structures of the foot. Divided into developmental, acute and chronic.

Lateral cartilage

Anatomical

Synonym: ungual cartilage.

Limbus

Anatomical

Modified band of integument between the skin and the hoof that forms the softer horn of the stratum externum. Synonym: periople.

Limbic groove

Anatomical

Narrow groove in the stratum corneum of the limbic integument immediately proximal to the coronary groove that contains the germinal layers of the epidermis, the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

Long toe, low heel

Descriptive (clinical)

Describes a foot that is considered to have excessive toe length relative to the conformation of the heel.

Natural balance

Descriptive

Hoof conformation that is modelled after the foot in its (farrier term) natural state i.e. feral horses.

Onychomycosis

Pathological process

A mycotic disease of the nails in humans. There is no direct proven corollary in horses.

Palmar

Anatomical

Used to describe the caudal facing aspect of the forelimb from the carpus distally. The opposite of dorsal.

Palmar/plantar angle of distal phalanx

Descriptive (clinical)

Angle between the plane of the solar margin of the distal phalanx and the ground measured from a lateral radiograph. Angle can be positive or negative. In fact the angle is distal rather than palmar/plantar.

Parietal

Anatomical

Pertaining to or forming the paries or wall of a cavity. Refers to the wall of the hoof, e.g. parietal dermis, parietal epidermis, parietal surface of the distal phalanx.

Pedal osteitis

Pathological process

A radiographic diagnosis associated with osteopenia of the margin of the distal phalanx. Thought to be caused by inflammation of the sole.

Periople

Anatomical

Synonym: limbus

Phalangeal rotation

Descriptive (clinical)

Describes rotation of the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx palmarly/plantarly from its normal orientation and relationship with the middle and proximal phalanges, usually occurring concurrently with capsular rotation.

Plantar

Anatomical

Used to describe the caudal facing aspect of the hindlimb from the tarsus distally. Opposite of dorsal.

Prolapsed sole

Descriptive (clinical)

The sole has developed a convexity distal to the solar margin of the distal phalanx.

Quarters

Abaxial portions of the wall that border the toe dorsally and the heels palmarly. The boundaries are poorly defined.

Quittor

Disease

Infection and necrosis of the ungual cartilage.

Realignment of distal phalanx

Descriptive (clinical)

A term used to describe realigning the palmar/plantar solar surface of the distal phalanx with the normal weightbearing surface of the hoof.

Rotation of the distal phalanx

Descriptive (clinical)

Rotation of the distal phalanx can refer to either deviation of the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx from the wall (capsular rotation) or from the axis of the phalanges (phalangeal rotation), but if unspecified capsular rotation is usually assumed to be the default meaning.

Seat of corn

Anatomical

Synonym: angle of the sole.

Seedy toe

Descriptive (clinical)

Cavitation in the distal hoof wall, usually dorsally, involving the stratum internum and/or stratum medium. Commonly seen as widening of the sole wall junction.

Sensitive lamellae

Anatomical

A historic synonym for dermal lamellae.

Sheared heels

Displacement of one heel bulb proximally relative to the adjacent heel bulb. Thought to result from abnormal loading on one side of the foot.

Sinker

Descriptive (clinical)

See distal displacement of the distal phalanx.

Solar

Anatomical

Pertaining to the sole.

Sole

Anatomical

That part of the hoof bordered by the wall, bars and frog.

Static balance

Descriptive (clinical)

The concept of balance applied to a horse's feet with the animal at rest; applies to the symmetry of the limb from the dorsal viewpoint and the foot-pastern axis from the lateral viewpoint.

Stratum basale

Single layer of cells attached to the basement membrane.

Stratum corneum

Formed from dead keratinocytes

Stratum externum

Anatomical

Stratum corneum of the limbic (perioplic) epithelium. Synonym: stratum tectorium.

Stratum germinativum

Collective term for the stratum basale and stratum spinosum.

Stratum internum

Anatomical

Stratum corneum of the parietal epithelium.

Stratum lamellateum

Anatomical

Synonym: stratum internum (deprecated).

Stratum medium

Anatomical

Stratum corneum of the coronary epithelium.

Stratum spinosum

Layer between the stratum basale and stratum corneum several cells thick in which the prickle cells generate keratin filaments.

Stratum tectorium

Anatomical

Deprecated in favour of synonym: stratum externum.

Sulcus

Anatomical

Groove.

Third phalanx

Anatomical

See distal phalanx.

Thrush

Disease

A moist exudative dermatitis that involves the central and lateral sulci of the frog.

Underrun

Descriptive (clinical)

Describes angulation of the hoof wall towards the axis of the limb so that the hoof wall lies inside the expected position of the hoof wall in relation to the distal phalanx.

Underrun heels

Descriptive (clinical)

The angle of the heels is considerably less than the angle of the dorsal hoof wall. The horn tubules are commonly folded under the bulbs of the heels.

Ungual cartilages

Anatomical

The cartilage of the hoof that is attached to the palmar/plantar process of the distal phalanx. There is a medial and lateral ungual cartilage. Synonyms: lateral cartilage, collateral cartilage.

Unilateral

Anatomical

Pertaining to one side of the body, e.g. left or right limb.

White line disease

Descriptive (clinical)

A keratolytic process involving the deeper nonpigmented zone of the stratum medium.

White line

Anatomical

The junction between the hoof wall and the sole. Actually this junction is seen as a yellow line on the solar surface of the foot.