A singular case of total traumatic hoof avulsion in a horse: treatment and outcome

Total traumatic hoof avulsion is a rare condition in horses. Hoof avulsion can be caused by acute injuries or achieved in the surgical treatment (ablation) of high scale laminitis. Decreasing motion at the affected site and hoof stabilization are essential to obtain a successful outcome. Complete avulsion may be treated by daily cleaning and bandaging but if the wound is unstable or large defect is present cast application is recommended. Normally casts are left in place from 2 to 3 weeks and changes are frequently required before wound is completely healed. The aim of this work is to describe a case of total traumatic hoof avulsion complicated by an open fracture of the third phalanx in a horse, the treatment and the present encouraging outcome.