White Line Disease

• reduces the weight-support system of the hoof and hoof wall
  
• opens the foot of the horse up to further infection
  
• can cause lameness and develop complications in the hoof
  

This is page 1 in a series of pages on White line disease and Hoof repair and Reconstruction. Click-through links are listed at the end of this page.

The Destructive Agents in General Terms

• anaerobic bacteria
  
• various fungi
  

The destructive agents in whiteline diease were originally grouped together under the general term of 'anaerobic bacteria' - bacteria who thrive in conditions where there is no oxygen.

More recently, there has been increasing support for the possibility that the destructive agents are one or more types of fungus - working alone, or together with the bacteria.

Whether it's bacteria or fungi, the horse owner - concerned about health and hoof care - still faces the same problem: hooves that are being eaten away by a destructive agent. His question is not likely to be 'How do I spell that biological fungus name?' but rather:

• Owner - conscientious preventive action
  
• Owner and Farrier - careful observation of the horse
  
• Farrier and Vet - co-ordinated specific treatment (see photo case record that follows)
  

Preventive Action by the Owner
The bacteria/fungi are opportunistic, and will enter the foot through the smallest of openings, often invisible to the human eye. Preventive action is a positive first step. As ever, it's no guarantee, but the more you do, the better your chances.

The following factors can contribute to whiteline disease developing in horses. Some potential problem causers must simply be recognised as risk factors -

• excess damp and humidity - the horse's hoof is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture). A moist hoof expands more readily.
  
• stress after laminitis
  
• the presence of an injury in the hoof
  

While others can be avoided by conscientious horse and hoof care -

• long toes on the hoof - causing stress and the possibility of separation at the juncture of hoof wall and sole. I've seen this a number of times as a contributory factor in white line disease.
  
• an excess of inappropriate hoof care products applied to a hoof
  
• poor nutrition, resulting in poor health of the hoof
  
• insufficient stable management - lack of cleanliness