August 6, 2016 - Lameness: Sole Bruises

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Sole Bruises

by Heather Smith Thomas

TRAUMA TO INNER TISSUES of the foot beneath the horny sole can rupture small blood vessels, creating a bruise. When a horse steps on something hard and sharp (gravel, rocks, uneven footing on ice, etc.), the crushing of blood ves- sels between the sole and coffin bone causes bleeding—and pressure buildup can create a lot of pain. The horse may be reluctant to put weight on the foot.

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