Retrospective study on 30 horses with chronic proliferative pododermatitis (canker)

The medical records of 30 horses (18 Warmbloods, 7 draught horses, 3 other breeds and 2 of unknown origin) with chronic proliferative pododermatitis (canker) were reviewed and long‐term outcome was obtained by telephone questionnaire. In 28/30 cases, the owner was the first to discover the problem. The disease was initially recognised as canker in only 5/28 cases, whereas in 10/28 cases a treatment for thrush had been continued for several months before referral. There was a similar prevalence in the fore (41) and hind (44) hooves; 13/30 horses had 4 hooves affected. Treatment consisted of surgical debridement and hoof care. Duration of hospitalisation was significantly decreased in horses receiving oral prednisolone for 3 weeks compared to those without this additional systemic treatment (mean ± s.d. 24 ± 5 days, n = 7 vs. 40 ± 19 days, n = 19, respectively). Long‐term follow‐up ranged from 3 months to 6 years (36 ± 22 months) and was available for 24 horses. No recurrence was reported in 10 horses. In 14 horses problems recurred within the first year, and 6 had been subjected to euthanasia for this reason specifically, whereas the others were managed by regular trimming. There was no significant association between recurrence and the number of affected hooves or the use of any systemic treatment. Horses with delayed referral because of preceding treatments had significantly more chance to develop recurrence, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and subsequent treatment.