Hoof

Hoof is the hard, protective covering found at the end of the legs of various animals, including horses, cows, and pigs. The hoof is made up of a hard outer layer and a softer inner layer. The outer layer is made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails. The inner layer contains blood vessels and nerves, and is sensitive to pain and temperature.

Structure and Function

The hoof is divided into three main parts: the wall, the sole, and the frog. The wall is the hard, outer part of the hoof that comes into contact with the ground. The sole is the flat, inner part of the hoof that provides support and protection for the sensitive structures beneath it. The frog is a V-shaped structure at the back of the hoof that acts as a shock absorber and helps to pump blood back up the leg.

The hoof grows continuously and needs to be trimmed regularly to maintain its shape and function. If the hoof becomes too long or misshapen, it can cause pain and lameness in the animal.

Diseases and Disorders

There are several diseases and disorders that can affect the hoof, including laminitis, hoof abscess, and hoof crack. Laminitis is a painful inflammation of the sensitive structures within the hoof. Hoof abscess is a localized infection that causes pain and swelling. Hoof crack is a split or crack in the hoof wall that can lead to pain and infection.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of the hoof is essential for the health and well-being of the animal. This includes regular trimming, cleaning, and inspection for signs of disease or injury. In some cases, the hoof may need to be shod with a metal shoe to provide additional protection or support.

See Also

• Horse care
• Farrier
• Equine anatomy

Hoof Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia