Hoof cancer is a chronic disease of the hoof corium. Unlike hoof abscesses, hoof cancer does not cause individual cells to die, but rather leads to uninhibited growth of individual parts of the hoof corium, accompanied by a foul-smelling discharge and a lack of keratinization of this tissue. The term "hoof cancer" was coined due to the appearance of this excessively grown, cauliflower-like tissue, although it is not a form of cancer.
In the past, it was primarily cold-blooded horses that were affected by this disease, but now many warm-blooded and thoroughbred horses are also falling ill. In the early stages of hoof cancer, there is usually no real lameness. However, affected horses may show sensitivity on the sole of the hoof, which becomes noticeable when stepping on hard objects or uneven ground. This can also lead to bleeding in the affected areas. As the disease progresses, affected horses often show only mild to moderate (rarely severe) lameness, as the growths can slowly spread under the sole and hoof wall. On the sole and frog, you can see bulging growths with white, cheesy deposits that give off a foul odor.
To date, neither bacteria, viruses nor fungi have been confirmed as the cause of hoof rot. For a long time, it was therefore assumed that unhygienic husbandry conditions triggered the disease. However, researchers are now moving away from this hypothesis. Instead, it is now believed that the disease is caused by a pathological disorder of the keratinization process, known as parakeratosis. A zinc deficiency is suspected to trigger this parakeratosis. What is certain is that there are a number of external factors that promote the development of hoof cancer, such as abnormal hoof shapes (clubfoot), incorrect weight bearing, metabolic disorders, and mechanical or chemical stimuli from the environment.
If you suspect that your horse may have hoof cancer, you should always consult a veterinarian, who will then work closely with the farrier. Hoof cancer has such a typical appearance that it is unlikely to be confused with other hoof diseases. Only advanced thrush must be distinguished from hoof cancer. Your veterinarian will carry out a thorough clinical examination to gather all the necessary findings and work with the farrier to develop an individual treatment plan. Strict hygiene measures are an absolute must when treating hoof cancer, both on the hoof and in the horse's environment.
Depending on the extent of the disease, hoof cancer can be treated conservatively or surgically. Whether on the operating table or on a standing horse, the proliferating areas of the corium must be carefully exposed by the veterinarian, which means that diseased horn is removed until healthy areas are visible. These sensitive areas of the corium must then be allowed to dry, and the formation of new hoof cancer growths must be prevented. This can be done with the help of dry pressure bandages or new horseshoes. Local disinfectant ointments or powders are applied to the affected areas to support the healing process. The treatment can be very painful for the horse and must therefore sometimes be carried out on an inpatient basis, even with conservative treatment. Even if the horse cannot be worked again during this phase, a minimum amount of free movement should be ensured in the respective form of husbandry. Movement stimulates blood circulation in the diseased corium and thus promotes the healing process.
The chances of recovery clearly depend on the severity and extent of the disease, although very good results can be achieved with a good treatment plan and regular hoof care at short intervals. Close cooperation between the veterinarian and farrier is essential. If the owner also complies with the necessary hygiene and hoof care measures, which are often very time-consuming, there is a good chance of a complete cure. However, relapses must always be expected with hoof cancer.
The most important measures for preventing laminitis are regular hoof care and optimal housing and feeding conditions. Regular blood tests help to determine the horse's health status and compensate for any deficiencies at an early stage.
Thanks to improved preventive care, senior dogs are no longer a rarity. Similar to humans, they suffer from classic age-related ailments such as osteoarthritis, cataracts, and dementia. Around 20% of nine-year-old dogs and almost 70% of 15-year-old dogs suffer from dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS or "dog Alzheimer's").
Winter affects humans and animals differently than summer. The body has to adjust to the cold, darker season. We can also help our dogs get through the winter very well.
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A dull coat, hairless, inflamed areas of skin and often very severe itching are characteristic of this parasitic skin disease, which occurs worldwide and can affect dogs of all ages. It is triggered by a mite, Demodex, which is also found on healthy dogs. Why it multiplies at an above-average rate in certain cases and leads to the skin changes mentioned above is still not fully understood. The disease is not considered contagious.
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Borna disease, also known as contagious encephalomyelitis or head disease of ungulates, is a rare viral disease of the nervous system that mainly affects horses and sheep. However, other animals and humans are also susceptible to the Borna virus. The disease was first described in 1813, when a whole group of cavalry horses fell ill in the town of Borna.
Periodic eye inflammation has been known for over 2000 years and is the most common eye disease in horses. It describes a recurring inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea) in horses. In veterinary medicine, the term "equine recurrent uveitis" (ERU) is now used. The disease occurs repeatedly, initially at longer intervals and later at shorter intervals, and can lead to significant visual impairment. Since the affected horses often went blind from this disease and it was suspected that it was related to the phases of the moon, it was also commonly referred to as moon blindness.
Skin diseases are one of the most common reasons for visits to the vet, alongside gastrointestinal disorders. Pyoderma refers to purulent infections of the skin caused by various bacteria. In healthy animals, the skin provides good protection against infections through various defense mechanisms. There is a balance between the normal microflora of bacteria, yeasts, and parasites on the one hand, and the formation and breakdown of skin cells and their waste products on the other. The microflora feeds on the waste products of the skin and at the same time prevents the colonization of infectious germs.
It happens in the paddock or even in the stall: your horse injures itself and may be bleeding. What should you do? Is it just a small scratch, a bump, or even a huge, gaping wound? Do I need to call the vet, or can I treat it myself, and if so, how? How can I minimize the risk of injury in the future? Kicks, bites, falls, or foreign objects can cause cuts, puncture wounds, abrasions, bruises, contusions, or burns in horses, which may require veterinary treatment depending on their severity. The severity of an injury always depends on its location and the involvement of surrounding structures, such as muscles, tendons, or joints. As with humans, a distinction is made between covered and open injuries in horses. In covered injuries, the horse's skin is undamaged, which is why this type of injury is not always easy to detect. For example, a kick may have caused a bruise that we as owners may only notice when grooming or when the horse is lame. Damage to the skin is referred to as an open injury or wound. This results in bleeding of varying severity, but even here, smaller wounds can be overlooked due to the coat.
Ear infections in dogs are one of the most common reasons for visits to the veterinarian. However, the condition is often detected too late and not treated consistently. The anatomical structure of the ear canal in dogs and its length make it prone to inflammation. Due to various factors, some dog breeds are even more susceptible to inflammation in the ear area. Outer ear infections, also known as otitis externa, are the most common type. Middle and inner ear infections are less common. However, if not detected early, these can develop into chronic conditions that require intensive treatment.
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