Dr. Judith L. Mulholland

An area of dead tissue, bruised and damaged sensitive and insensitive laminae, forming rapidly after the acute phase of laminitis. Cells in the damaged area die off, while cells on the edges of the afflicted area are inflamed and produce a wound secretion. This is combined with an over production of weakly keratinised cells growing off the sensitive laminae to form the wedge. Mechanical tearing, caused by a long toe and movement increases the problem. Depending upon the severity of the laminitic episode, the affected wall may grow down with minimal long-term effect, or stay as a wide fibrous white line (laminitic wedge) which distorts the hoof angles.

Thick wall/laminitic wedge at the toe must be rasped back at each shoeing to restore a normal hoof/pastern angle. A severe laminitic wedge can cause pressure on the distal phalanx, leading to devitalisation and re absorption of bone. The wedge is the ideal place for bacteria to breed, leading to infections and seedy toe.

Seedy toe is the most common secondary effect of neglected laminitic feet. It can underrun more than a third of the wall, and decreases the attached surface area even further. It needs to be resected, and in some cases, the hoof may require a partial or complete reconstruction to restore function. In the long term, wall resection may help normalise hoof growth, function and appearance. It is easier to prevent seedy toe with regular farriery than it is to treat the consequences. Infections and seedy-toe are both worse in neglected feet, wet weather and dirty conditions.

When there are signs of consistent improvement and the horse can be shod. Only remove 30% of the wall, straight across the toe. The resection needs to be trimmed back every three weeks as it continues to keratinise, forming a hard outer layer. If not regularly removed, the keratinised layer forces the new wall over it, making the resection unsuccessful.