## Overview A keratoma is a benign tumor of the hoof-wall keratin. It grows between the hoof wall and the coffin bone, often causing a change in the white line noticed by the farrier. Lameness develops when the mass presses on sensitive tissue or becomes infected. Cylindrical forms are most common. ## Causes Unknown. Chronic irritation or trauma to the germinal epithelium is suspected. ## Diagnosis Distorted white line, radiographs showing a well-defined area of bone lysis, and sometimes computed tomography. Biopsy confirms the diagnosis. ## Treatment Surgical removal through a hoof-wall resection. Recurrence is uncommon if the entire keratoma is excised. The defect is protected while the wall regrows. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good after complete removal. The hoof wall takes months to fully regrow. ## Prevention None specific.
change in white-line contour; lameness; recurrent abscessation; radiographic bone lysis under the hoof wall
## Overview A keratoma is a benign tumor of the hoof-wall keratin. It grows between the hoof wall and the coffin bone, often causing a change in the white line noticed by the farrier. Lameness develops when the mass presses on sensitive tissue or becomes infected. Cylindrical forms are most common. ## Causes Unknown. Chronic irritation or trauma to the germinal epithelium is suspected. ## Diagnosis Distorted white line, radiographs showing a well-defined area of bone lysis, and sometimes computed tomography. Biopsy confirms the diagnosis. ## Treatment Surgical removal through a hoof-wall resection. Recurrence is uncommon if the entire keratoma is excised. The defect is protected while the wall regrows. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good after complete removal. The hoof wall takes months to fully regrow. ## Prevention None specific.
change in white-line contour; lameness; recurrent abscessation; radiographic bone lysis under the hoof wall