What is White Line Disease?

White line disease is a buildup of bacteria and fungi that destroys hoof wall tissue. But for this to happen, there must be an opening for the bacteria and fungi to enter. Typically, a crack or separation within the hoof wall gives access to bacteria, resulting in this disease.

This separation occurs in the light-colored area known as the white line. While this isn’t always painful, it can lead to painful conditions, including abscesses and laminitis. And as the separation continues up towards the coronet, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and affect the horse’s mobility.

White Line Disease V. Thrush

Sometimes white line disease can be confused with thrush—there are some important differences between the two! Thrush is a bacterial and fungal infection of the horse’s frog and often presents with a foul smell and thick, black discharge around the frog area. On the other hand, white line disease is a bacterial and fungal infection that affects the horse’s hoof wall. The infection can be present in the hoof wall starting at the toe, quarter, or heel.

Causes of White Line Disease

The exact cause of the separation of the hoof wall that leads to this disease is still unknown. It can occur in any horse regardless of age, gender, and breed. And, it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference if a horse is shod or barefoot.

There are some proposed risk factors for hoof wall separation:

• Hoof conformation: Poor hoof conformation puts more strain on the hoof wall, leading to separation.
• Wet/humid conditions: This can soften the hoof and allow debris to enter the separation.
• Hot/dry conditions: This can make the hoof more brittle and prone to cracking.
• Vascular damage: Injuries that restrict blood flow to the hoof wall can lead to hoof wall separation.

Identify the Signs

Horses can develop white line disease in just one hoof or even in all four. You will notice a flakey or powdery texture to the hoof wall where it should be solid. When you tap on the outside of the hoof wall, it will also sound hollow.

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How to Treat White Line Disease

Any form of disease in horses is scary. But there’s good news: white line disease can be cured by a farrier. Before they begin the treatment, any abnormalities in the hoof need to be addressed. From there, the bulk of treatment comes a resection of the hoof wall. The farrier will cut away and remove all the layers of the infected hoof wall. Once healthy tissue has been revealed, they can sand and smooth it out.

This process may look scary as a horse owner. But the hoof wall is not a sensitive tissue, and the hoof resection doesn’t hurt the horse at all! Depending on how dramatic the resection was, the farrier may add additional support to the hoof with a special glue-on shoe.

After a hoof resection, it’s essential to keep the horse’s hooves as dry and clean as possible. In addition, the farrier should come out every two weeks to support proper healing.

Prevention

The best way to prevent white line disease is to reduce the risk of hoof wall separation.

Here are some other preventive tips:

• Be consistent with hoof care: Removing dirt from the sole is beneficial for reducing debris and pathogens that can enter hoof wall separations.
• Keep up on regular farrier appointments: This will support proper hoof conformation and minimize the strain that can cause hoof wall separation.
• Avoid wet conditions when possible: If you have a choice, keep your horse out of damp conditions. In addition, excessive bathing can be harmful to hoof health.

Looking for more horse care tips? Check out our other horse care articles.