Cracks in the Follicles of the Bulbs in Horses: Causes, Prevention and Treatment
Updated May 2026
The Horse's Heel Bulbs: Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Cracks and Infections
The horse's heel bulbs play an essential role in comfort, balance, and locomotion. However, this area often remains neglected until the appearance of a crack, irritation, or painful infection. Yet, the heel bulbs constitute a truly sensitive and strategic area of the horse's foot: they can become an entry point for bacteria, fungi, and pathogens... but also an exit point when the body tries to evacuate an infection.
In this article, discover:
- what the heel bulbs actually are,
- why some horses are more susceptible to cracks,
- how to prevent infections,
- and why regular care of the heel bulbs is essential to preserve the health of the horse's foot.
What are the heel bulbs in horses?
The heel bulb is a structure located at the back of the horse's foot, between the heels of the hoof. Composed of soft and elastic tissues, it actively participates in:
- shock absorption,
- cushioning,
- blood circulation in the foot,
- and protecting the internal structures of the hoof.
This area, heavily used daily, is in permanent contact with:
- moisture,
- mud,
- bacteria,
- urine,
- friction,
- and sometimes aggressive terrain.
When the skin's balance is weakened, cracks can appear: these are the famous heel bulb cracks in horses.
Why are the heel bulbs so sensitive?
The heel bulbs represent a specific anatomical area:
- poorly ventilated,
- often moist,
- subject to maceration,
- and difficult to keep perfectly clean.
This combination promotes skin imbalances and the proliferation of microorganisms.
A real gateway for pathogens
A simple irritation can quickly become an entry point for:
- bacteria,
- yeasts,
- fungi,
- or other pathogens.
Cracks then allow infections to settle deeper into the tissues.
But it is also important to understand that the heel bulbs can become an exit point for internal infections. In some horses, the body tries to evacuate an infectious or inflammatory overload through the most fragile areas of the foot. We then observe:
- recurrent cracks,
- oozing,
- crusts,
- or chronic inflammation.
This is why effective local care must always be accompanied by a global reflection on the environment, moisture, foot hygiene, and the horse's general condition.
In certain situations, heel bulb lesions are a sign of canker. It is important to quickly make the correct diagnosis because canker disease has 3 entry points for pathogens and exit points for exudates: the perioples, the heel bulbs, and the frog.
Canker in a horse with severe heel bulb involvement — visible cracks and exudates illustrate the importance of early diagnosis.
Which horses are most affected by heel bulb cracks?
Horses with white pasterns
Horses with white markings or white pasterns often develop more skin problems in the heel bulb area.
Their skin is generally:
- thinner,
- more sensitive,
- and sometimes less resistant to external aggressions.
They can therefore be more prone to:
- cracks,
- mud fever,
- irritations,
- and bacterial infections.
Moisture, dryness, and dirt: the heel bulbs' greatest enemies
Excessive moisture
Muddy or wet ground softens the skin and promotes:
- cracks,
- maceration,
- and infections.
Dryness
Conversely, excessively dry skin becomes brittle and cracks more easily.
Dirt and bacteria
The accumulation of mud, manure, sand, or debris in the heel bulbs creates an environment favorable to bacterial proliferation.
Without regular care, minor irritations can quickly develop into painful lesions.
Sometimes heel bulb cracks will start with mud fever in the pastern area and then descend to open a crack in the heel bulbs. Mud fever should be treated as quickly as possible.
Are certain breeds more susceptible?
Yes. Some breeds have deeper or more enclosed heel bulbs, promoting moisture and debris retention.
Commonly affected breeds:
- Percherons,
- Shires,
- Clydesdales,
- Belgian horses,
- Friesians,
- Cobs.
Their morphology requires increased vigilance, especially in winter or during wet periods.
Why heel bulb care is essential
Caring for the heel bulbs is not just about avoiding a visible crack.
Regular maintenance allows for:
- limiting bacterial proliferation,
- preserving the skin barrier,
- preventing the establishment of chronic infections,
- and supporting the skin's natural repair capabilities.
Healthy heel bulbs directly contribute to the horse's locomotor comfort.
How to prevent heel bulb cracks?
Clean without aggressing
Gently wash the heel bulbs to remove:
- mud,
- debris,
- bacteria,
- and organic matter.
Avoid overly harsh products that weaken the skin.
Dry the area thoroughly
After cleaning, carefully dry the heel bulbs.
Persistent moisture promotes:
- maceration,
- bacteria,
- and recurrences.
Maintain supple and protected skin
Well-hydrated skin is more resistant to cracks.
Using an adapted product like OZONE SOIN BOUE helps to:
- sanitize the area,
- limit microbial proliferation,
- maintain skin suppleness,
- and prevent cracking.
The combination of ozonated oil and sweet almond oil helps to act on both:
- microbiological balance,
- and skin barrier protection.
Should scabs be removed?
No. Scabs should never be pulled off.
Removing them prematurely can:
- reopen the wound,
- slow down healing,
- cause bleeding,
- and promote superinfection.
The goal is rather to:
- cleanse,
- soften,
- and support the natural repair of tissues.
What care to use on an already existing crack?
When a crack is present, it is important to act quickly to prevent the aggravation of inflammation or the establishment of a deep infection.
OZONE SOIN INTENSIF has shown excellent results on this type of lesion thanks to:
- its sanitizing action,
- its support for skin regeneration,
- and its ability to maintain an environment favorable to tissue repair.
In certain situations, the use of ozone in its gaseous form, Bagging, accelerates the evacuation of exudates and cleanses the area.
When to consult the veterinarian?
While most superficial cracks can be managed with appropriate local care, certain signs should trigger an alarm and warrant a prompt veterinary consultation:
- a deep, bleeding crack that does not heal after 7 to 10 days of care
- swelling, excessive heat, or associated lameness
- abundant, foul-smelling, or purulent discharge
- frequent recurrences despite regular maintenance
- suspicion of canker, advanced mud fever, or deep infection
In these cases, a precise diagnosis is essential to adapt the treatment and prevent aggravation to deeper structures of the foot.
Conclusion: healthy heel bulbs for a comfortable horse
The heel bulbs are more than just an area of the foot: they play a fundamental role in the horse's overall health.
Because they are constantly exposed to moisture, bacteria, and external aggressions, they require regular attention. Cracks should never be trivialized, as they often indicate a significant local imbalance.
Appropriate care, regular monitoring, and skin-friendly treatments can prevent many complications and provide long-lasting comfort for the horse.