Solea
The sole is the concave, keratinized ground surface of the equine foot that lies between the hoof wall, white line, and frog. It protects the sensitive structures above it, including the coffin bone and navicular apparatus, and bears a portion of the horse's weight. The sole is thinner and more sensitive toward the center and thicker near the periphery at the white line. A healthy sole is concave and sufficiently thick to protect internal structures. Thin, flat, or bruised soles are common sources of lameness and increase the risk of penetrating injuries that can affect the navicular bursa or coffin joint.
Sole bruising, abscesses, and penetrating wounds are common causes of lameness. Thin soles increase the risk of bruising and penetration. Diagnosis uses clinical examination, hoof testers, and sometimes radiographs. Management includes appropriate shoeing and protection.
Sudden lameness with heat in the foot or positive response to hoof testers should be evaluated. Protect thin soles with appropriate shoeing or pads. Penetrating wounds to the sole are emergencies.
Sole bruising, abscesses, and penetrating wounds are common causes of lameness. Thin soles increase the risk of bruising and penetration. Diagnosis uses clinical examination, hoof testers, and sometimes radiographs. Management includes appropriate shoeing and protection.
Sudden lameness with heat in the foot or positive response to hoof testers should be evaluated. Protect thin soles with appropriate shoeing or pads. Penetrating wounds to the sole are emergencies.
See the Sole on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model