FUNGAL Infections of the Coronet Band and Hoof Wall in Horses

WHAT IS THAT? A "V" shape Fungal infection of the outer wall in a Horse which originated at the Coronet Band.

What does a fungal infection of the coronet band and hoof wall look like?

When you first see one of these infections in a Horse, you may be left scratching your head. I know I was when I first encountered it. I went in search of answers of course.

Pictured above: My first encounter with a fungal infection that had started at the Coronet.

Typically mistaken for an Abscess exit hole or assumed that the horse has somehow damaged or knocked his wall to create either a ridge or a hollow.

How does a fungal infection of the coronet band and hoof wall start?

I'm not sure anyone has all the answers as yet. I feel I've seen enough cases and helped owners to stop them in their tracks with topical applications to weigh in on this subject.

Usually during a wet weather event, the Periople gets waterlogged and swells. If the Periople swells enough to create "pockets" which then pop open and hence now do not have the soft cover of the Periople over the wall at the Coronet Band (where the hoof wall joins the skin).

Waterlogged Periople swollen and pockets "popped" into a circular shape.

This is prime time for the Fungal spores to lodge themselves into the coronet band and start to thrive.

Fungal infection taking hold at coronet after wet conditions have swollen periople at coronet.

Why do these fungal hoof wall infections appear diagonal or V shaped?

I have seen these in the Diagonal line and "V" shaped growths.

So lets say you have a fungal infection that has managed to creep in to the coronet band at the centre of the hoof. As the hoof starts to grow down, the fungal infection is still active and spreading at the coronet band - either in one direction or both.

So the centre part of the hoof is growing, and as the fungas spreads in either direction or both, you will see the ridges of where this has travelled as the hoof grows through.

Pictured above: Infection has started at the coronet band at the back of the hoof. So as that part of the fungus grows down and the infection spreads laterally towards the centre of the hoof, you see the ridges (in this case) left behind by the disruption in growth of the hoof wall.

This infection still current at coronet band on hoof.

Another diagonal line which has started off centre (medially) of the toe and has grown laterally. This horse was also advised to start topical treatment at the coronet at the point where the fungus line stops. This one has presented as a slight hollow rather than a ridge.

"V" Shaped infection which has spread both medially and laterally. As the centre of the hoof grows down where the initially infection started, the infection moves medially and latterally in this case creating further ridges so as those parts of the wall then grow through, this produces the "V" shape. The more pronounced the "V" shape, the slower growing it is.

In my practice, I have found that these ridges are not typically noticed until they are grown below the Periople or even further down the capsule. Seemingly appearing overnight. The further they grown down the hoof, typically the worse they start to look (as above pic).

As the hoof is slightly weakened in these areas, the Stratum Externum (outer wall) starts to wear a little and may even look like a hole which is why some may assume it has been an abscess exit point.

How do you manage changes at the coronet band and hoof wall?

If you notice unusual ridges, hollows, cracking or changes beginning around the coronet band, it is worth having the hoof assessed by your farrier, hoof care professional or veterinarian.

There can be several reasons for changes in hoof wall growth, and identifying what is happening at the coronet is important before deciding how the hoof should be managed.

During prolonged wet weather, the periople can soften and swell as it takes up moisture. Regular hoof checks, good paddock hygiene and keeping the lower limb and hoof as clean as practical can all form part of sensible day-to-day management.

What about antifungal creams?

If your veterinarian or hoof care professional suspects a fungal involvement around the coronet band or hoof wall, they may recommend further investigation or treatment depending on what they find.

Some horse owners are also familiar with topical antifungal creams sold through pharmacies for human conditions such as athlete’s foot. These products contain active antifungal ingredients and are therapeutic medicines rather than cosmetic hoof care products.

Because they are not labelled specifically for use on horses, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian before using a human antifungal cream on your horse, particularly where skin is broken, irritated or inflamed.

The role of The Hoof Co products in this situation remains cosmetic hoof care: keeping the hoof clean, maintaining regular hoof hygiene and conditioning the outer hoof and periople where appropriate.

Where does Hoof Balm fit in?

During wet and dry periods, Hoof Balm can be used as part of your regular cosmetic hoof care routine to condition the outer hoof wall and periople.

Apply a small amount around the hoof wall and coronet area and massage it over the surface as required.

Hoof Balm contains cosmetic-grade ingredients and beeswax in a non-drip formulation designed to condition dry-looking hoof horn and help maintain the appearance of the outer hoof.

With a host of ingredients targeted at hydration and protection. Essential Oils of Kunzea, Lemon, Lemon Myrtle and Eucalyptus.

Prior to wet periods, lube up the Hoof with our HOOF BALM and ensure you work it into the Coronet. With Beeswax in the mix, this will provide a slight water repelling property and aims to reduce the over swelling of the Periople during the wet periods.

As the fungal defect grows further down the hoof, the infection lines may split.

What about changes further down the hoof wall?

As an area grows down from the coronet, ridges, hollows or weakened sections of outer hoof wall can become more noticeable.

Your hoof care professional can assess whether any loose or compromised hoof wall needs to be removed or managed during trimming.

Keeping these areas clean is useful as part of routine hoof hygiene.

Hoof Spray can be directed into accessible hoof wall crevices to help cleanse the area and remove dirt and debris during regular hoof care.

Where a prepared hoof wall recess or old defect remains after professional hoof care, Beeswax Pure Balls® can be smeared across the area to help keep dirt and debris out.

Continue to monitor the hoof as it grows down and have any new, spreading or concerning changes assessed by your hoof care professional or veterinarian.

I have not seen one yet in close to 2 decades of Hoof Care work that has penetrated deeper than the Stratum Medium (unpigmented hoof wall). It's always exciting when you get to trim the Hoof Wall of these infections at ground level and check out the trimmings.

Have you ever had this happen to your horse or seen it in your travels? We'd love to see your photos.

Julie Wright

Founder, The Hoof Co

Dip. EPT, Cert. EMT

Hoof Care Professional

Over 20 years under the horse