Incidence of Equine Hoof Derangements in Malaysian Horse Population

The study was carried out to investigate the incidence of equine hoof derangements in Malaysian horse population. The horses' hooves were examined in five establishments in Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. The hoof conditions and predisposing factors examined were the thrush, soft sole, seedy toe, hoof crack, hoof ring, chip hoof, displaced coronet, the management and nutritional status. These were recorded via observational and personal communication. 53 horses were selected randomly and categorized into clinically healthy, actively working and shod from different breeds and usage. Factors that were compared with the incidence of hoof derangements were breed, use of the horse, hoof pigmentation, management and nutrition. The incidence rate for chipped hoof was the highest recorded with 52 cases (53.52%). The lowest incidence rate recorded was sand crack where only a single case was recorded (0.96%). Other hoof derangements were grass crack (40 cases/I.R 41.74%), Thrush (41 cases/I.R 40.20%), hoof ring (40cases/I.R 39.00%) and horizontal crack (3 cases/I.R 3.37%). The relationship between hoof pigmentation, breed and use of horse with the incidence of hoof derangements showed no significant difference except for use of horses with the condition of thrush and chipped hoof. This implies that adequate management of the equine hoof can thwart and reduce hoof wall derangements in working and racing horses. Therefore, improved nutrition, regular trimming and shoeing can protect the menace of hoof wall derangements and improve the performance and raise magnificent breeds of horses.