Definition:
Sandcracks are seperations in the horny box that run in longitudinal direction parallel to the horn tubules.
Causes:
Unequal distribution of weight on the hoof.
Symptoms:
Penetrating cracks go hand in hand with lameness because the sensitive laminae are irritated or crushed.
Treatment:
The marginal areas of cracks do not knit together again. The condition can only be healed by
allowing healthy, compact horn to grow down from the coronet. The therapy starts with the correct
dressing of the hoof in line with limb position and propulsion. This way the unequal distribution of
weight can be eventually remedied.
The marginal areas are cut open down to the valley of the crack, decay must be cut away and
disinfected. New horn can only grow unhindered if the hoof mechanism is deactivated and vibration is
drastically reduced. DALLMER Hoofshoes can make a major contribution to this. Depending on the size
of the sandcrack either DALLMER Hoofshoes or DALLMER Sandcrack Plasters come into play. The DALLMER
Hoofshoe with T-shaped inlay exposes the hoof to hardly any vibration. In more severe cases, a
combination of a DALLMER Cuff with Eggbar Shoes and a DALLMER Sandcrack Plaster is advisable.
Sandcrack
After dressing the hoof
After the adhesive application cover the crack with silicon so that the heat of reaction of the two components doesn’t have a negative effect on the hoof.
Schematic diagram of the DALLMER Cuff (yellow) with Eggbar Shoe (red) and sandcrack plaster (green) for sandcrack therapy.
