Ultrasound of the Hoof

Foot pain remains the most common cause of lameness in horses.

There are several causes of foot pain, many of which are within the hoof.

Innovation in diagnostic ultrasound allows us to view those structures in a non-invasive, repeatable, and relatively inexpensive way.

How it works … With proper foot preparation, an ultrasound probe can see not only the coffin joint and collateral ligaments but also through the frog and into the deeper structures inside the hoof. 

What it takes … A light rasp or trim of the frog and an overnight soak yield diagnostic ultrasound images.

What can be evaluated … Structures such as the navicular bone flexor surface, navicular bursa, deep digital flexor tendon and impar ligament can be seen. 

Why it’s important … Ultrasound is readily repeatable, so that after the initial diagnosis, healing can be monitored to direct treatment and exercise for optimal healing. Diagnostic ultrasound through the frog is non-invasive and low stress and low risk for both horse and owner.

The ultrasound image above shows the navicular bursa with the arrow pointing to a navicular bone flexor surface defect and productive bone. Treatment with shockwave can help to resolve the bony changes once they are identified using ultrasound. Improvement can be seen on follow up exams.