désabotage chez le cheval atteinte du périople

Horse hoof dishoming: should we be worried about a periople cleft?

Updated May 2026

What is hoof avulsion in horses?

The term "hoof avulsion" often causes concern among horse owners. However, it is frequently misused.

In common parlance, many people speak of hoof avulsion when a shoe is torn off or a crack appears on the hoof. In reality, a true hoof avulsion corresponds to the complete loss of the horny hoof capsule, an extremely rare phenomenon.

This type of injury only occurs in severe situations such as:

  • severe laminitis,
  • an untreated deep abscess,
  • significant trauma,
  • or certain advanced foot infections.

In other words, a small crack in the periople does not indicate hoof avulsion.

Periople crack in horses: should you be concerned?

A periople crack or a small opening on the hoof wall often worries owners. However, in most cases, it is a natural drainage mechanism.

The horse's foot sometimes tries to:

  • drain an infection,
  • evacuate a pocket of pus,
  • or eliminate localized inflammation.

This opening then acts as a natural exit route.

As long as the horse does not show:

  • severe lameness,
  • significant heat in the hoof,
  • swelling,
  • or marked pain,

there is generally no need to fear hoof avulsion.

Why it is important to act quickly on a periople crack

Even if a periople crack is not necessarily serious, it is essential to act quickly to prevent bacteria or pathogens from penetrating deeper into the hoof.

A small opening can quickly develop into:

  • a larger infection,
  • a weakening of the wall,
  • an abscess,
  • or a deeper injury to the foot structures.

This is why it is recommended to immediately clean the area with INTENSIVE OZONE CARE.

Thanks to the action of ozonated oil, this treatment helps to:

  • limit bacterial proliferation,
  • support tissue regeneration,
  • maintain a healthy environment,
  • and support the foot's natural drainage mechanisms.

Early intervention often prevents the crack from worsening and promotes rapid recovery.

A periople injury can sometimes reveal thrush

In some rarer cases, a chronic periople injury or a recurring crack can be a sign of equine thrush (also called verrucous keratoma or chronic hypertrophic pododermatitis).

Thrush is a particular foot condition characterized by an abnormal proliferation of the tissues of the frog and sometimes adjacent areas of the hoof. This condition progressively weakens the balance of the foot and creates an environment very favorable to bacteria and chronic infections.

As thrush progresses, it can cause:

  • cracks in the periople,
  • discharge,
  • crumbly horn,
  • a strong odor,
  • or wet areas that heal with difficulty.

Why? Because the foot continuously tries to evacuate inflammation and altered tissues. The periople can then become a true drainage zone.

This is why a periople injury that persists despite treatment or recurs regularly always deserves special attention. Early intervention often prevents the lesions from worsening.

In this context, the rapid use of ozone in its gaseous form with Bagging helps to:

  • cleanse tissues,
  • limit microbial proliferation,
  • support skin regeneration,
  • and support the foot's natural repair mechanisms.

Periople injury caused by thrush disease.

periople injury thrush pathology

Follow-up by a farrier and, if necessary, a veterinarian remains essential when equine thrush is suspected.

How to care for your horse's hooves?

Regular hoof care is essential to prevent:

  • cracks,
  • infections,
  • abscesses,
  • frog problems,
  • and concerns related to hoof avulsion.

1. Periople and heel bulb care

Regularly apply OZONE MUD CARE to the heel bulbs and periople.

This treatment helps to:

  • protect fragile tissues,
  • limit bacterial proliferation,
  • maintain supple skin,
  • and preserve hoof balance even in wet or muddy conditions.

The heel bulbs and periople are sensitive areas of the hoof, often exposed to moisture, bacteria, and micro-cracks.

2. Sole and frog maintenance

Use OZONE FROG CARE to care for the sole and frog.

This treatment:

  • nourishes the horn,
  • helps to strengthen tissues,
  • forms a protective film,
  • and helps prevent thrush.

Regular care helps maintain a more resistant foot against moisture and external aggressions.

3. Essential good practices

Daily picking

Picking helps remove:

  • mud,
  • stones,
  • debris,
  • and organic matter.

This significantly limits bacterial development.

Regular trimming

Trimming or shoeing every 4 to 6 weeks helps maintain good hoof balance and prevent excessive tension on the wall.

Environmental management

Constantly wet or very stony ground weakens hooves.

Limiting prolonged periods in mud greatly contributes to preserving the integrity of the periople and heel bulbs.

When to consult a veterinarian or farrier?

Even if a small crack in the periople is often benign, certain signs should alert you.

Consult a professional quickly if:

  • the crack spreads rapidly,
  • your horse is lame,
  • significant discharge appears,
  • a strong odor develops,
  • the wall becomes friable,
  • or if the foot becomes hot and painful.

Prompt intervention helps prevent more significant complications.

Conclusion: a periople crack is not hoof avulsion

A periople crack in a horse is generally not synonymous with hoof avulsion. In many cases, it is simply a natural mechanism for the foot to evacuate an infection or inflammation.

The essential is to:

  • monitor its evolution,
  • act quickly,
  • and maintain good foot hygiene.

Thanks to regular care and adapted treatments such as:

  • INTENSIVE OZONE CARE,
  • OZONE MUD CARE,
  • and OZONE FROG CARE,

it is possible to maintain healthy, strong, and resistant hooves.

Healthy feet directly contribute to the horse's comfort, performance, and overall well-being.

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