Why is it necessary to monitor and treat periople in horses?

What is the periople of the horse?

The periople is a thin band of horny and flexible tissue, visible just below the coronary band, at the junction between the skin of the limb and the hoof. It forms a kind of protective film, comparable to the cuticle in humans.

Although barely visible and often neglected, the periople plays a fundamental role in the health of the hoof and in the quality of horn growth . It protects the base of the hoof from external aggressions (moisture, friction, infections…) and above all constitutes the area of ​​origin of the cells that will form the horny wall.

The periople, the area where keratin is formed

The hoof horn is made of keratin, a fibrous protein produced by cells called keratinocytes. These cells are generated in the germinal matrix located just below the periople rim.

Keratinocytes: the driving force behind hoof growth

Keratinocytes originate in the deep layers of the periople epidermis. They multiply, migrate towards the surface, gradually becoming filled with keratin, then die and become integrated into the hoof's horny structure. This process is similar to the growth of a human nail, but with significantly greater thickness and density.

At what rate does the hoof grow?

On average, the horn of a hoof grows approximately 6 to 10 mm per month, depending on the horse's age, breed, health, diet, and living conditions. This means that a hoof takes 9 to 12 months to completely renew itself from the coronary band to the ground.

Inflammation, irritation, or infection of the periople can disrupt this cycle and lead to:

• an irregular or brittle horn growth
• deformations of the cornea,
• entry points for germs,
• or even deeper conditions like toadstool disease , in the event of bacterial spread.

Why is the periople an area to monitor closely?

The periople, as a living zone, is very sensitive to external aggressions: stagnant humidity, superficial injuries, UV rays on the white markings, shocks, overly aggressive products…

However, when this zone is reached:

• Keratinization is disorganized.
• Tissues become more permeable to pathogens.
• and the risks of horn degeneration (e.g., waves, splits, cracks) increase significantly.

It is therefore essential to ensure the integrity of this area, especially in sensitive horses, those with white markings on their legs or those living in a humid environment.

Ozone to stimulate healthy growth and prevent disease

Ozone is a valuable ally in supporting periople health. In oily form, it offers several very beneficial effects for this key area:

Why apply a few drops of Ozone Mud Guard to the periople?

• Sanitizing effect : ozone destroys bacteria, fungi and pathogens, preventing incipient infections.
• Regulated hydration: the oily base nourishes the periople without suffocating or softening it.
• Cellular stimulation : ozone activates the regeneration of keratin-producing cells.
• Strengthening of the skin barrier: the skin is better equipped against external aggressions.

Applying a few drops once or twice a week as a preventative measure is often sufficient to:

to avoid degeneration,

to support regular horn growth ,

and prevent more serious diseases such as toads or rotten forks.

In summary: adopt the periople reflex!

Taking care of the perioples means addressing the root cause of hoof health. This helps improve horn growth, limit deformities, and prevent deep inflammatory foot infections.

A small step, such as the regular application of Ozone Mud Guard, can prevent the development of complex, painful and costly situations to treat.

Key points to remember

• The periople is the area where keratin, which makes up the hoof, is formed .
• It is sensitive and can be an entry point for pathogens.
• A suitable treatment such as O zone Mud Guard helps to cleanse, nourish and stimulate this area.
• Monitoring this discreet band means getting ahead of foot problems.