White line disease WLD. What is WLD. How to identify it, clean, and treat it! #hoofcare #horse

White line disease WLD

I get many questions on what it is, how to identify it, and how to treat it.

White line disease (also called separation): Is a fungal/bacterial infection of the horse's hoof wall. As the name suggests, it attacks the white line, which is the inner hoof-wall tissue. This creates a cavity in the hoof wall, starting at ground level. WLD can "eat" high up into the hoof wall creating a large, hidden void. If left untreated, it can cause lameness, laminitis, and rotation of the coffin bone.

How to identify it: The main thing to look for is a gap/cavity along the perimeter of the hoof wall. Sometimes these cavities will become packed with dirt and hard to recognize. You must be very diligent when cleaning out the hoof. I use a dental pick to really clean out the white line area as shown.

How to treat: There are many over the counter treatments for white line disease- mainly soaking or topical treatment. Hoof soaks & liquid WLD treatments are best.

For severe cases or cases that resist treatment a equine vet should be involved. X-rays may be taken to rule out any other causes & to assess damage. Blood work might be suggested to evaluate possible contributing factors such as metabolic issues. A hoof resection (removing the damaged hoof wall) may be performed to aid in healing.



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