Evaluation of distal phalanx formation and association with front hoof conformation in coldblooded horses

There is not much data on the pathology of the hoof and of the distal phalanx in coldblooded horses (CH). In the present study we analysed the prevalence of certain abnormalities in hoof geometry and changes in the architecture and location of the distal phalanx related to those abnormalities in a randomly selected population of coldblooded horses. The study material comprised autopodium parts of forelimbs in CH from private animal farms (n = 35). The analysis included the description and measurements of the hoof capsule, radiological assessment of the location of the distal phalanx against the dorsal wall of the hoof capsule and structure assessment of isolated distal phalanges. Numerous pathologies were observed in hoof capsules and distal phalanges in both forelimbs; there was no tendency for increased number of hoof pathologies in only one side of the body; exceedingly steep hoof was thrice more frequent than long-toe hoof; in 56% of the horses, ossification of the ungular cartilages (UC) was observed. The ossification was more frequent in the lateral cartilages and most distinct in the horses whose body weight exceeded 550 kg; it prevailed in the horses with steep hooves.