Management of a keratoma in a horse: A case report

An 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with chronic intermittent lameness of the left forelimb. Keratoma was diagnosed based on history, clinical signs and the radiographic evidence of a radiolucent concavity of the third phalanx. The keratoma was removed by hoof wall resection and the foot was immobilized using a bar shoe with clips and a dorsal hoof wall plate positioned across the hoof wall defect. The hoof wall defect was completely filled with new hoof wall by 9 months postoperatively. The horse returned to normal athletic function and is performing successfully 18 months later.