06/05/2025
Every hoof has a white line - it is part of the anatomy and structure of each hoof. It's often not white though, so I would love to re-name it!
Going from the outside in, the layers go:
Wall
Inner wall
White line
Sole
White line infection (or very stubborn cases can be called "disease") creates crumbly material which you can see below, pockets in between the white line and inner wall, and disrupts the look and function of the hoof wall. It is fungal and/or bacterial in nature.
You must open up the pocket of infection to the air.
Then you must treat the infection aggressively.
Keeping the affected area clean and dry in the beginning.
The wall will grow back down over time as things heal and you'll never know this happened. Most cases resolve with no further damage to the hoof and no permanent "scar" or mark where this occurred.
If there is internal damage (usually unseen) and you're dealing with a toe crack/quarter crack where there is also white line infection present, it may not resolve perfectly or ever.
Treatment options:
1:1 ratio of apple cider vinegar and water - spray or soak
Pure Sole Hoof Cleanse
Artimud hoof clay
Pure Sole Hoof Mud
*Applied regularly while keeping area clean and dry
*A boot or wrap may be necessary for a bit post resection
If stubborn, it's time for the chemicals -
White Lightning/Oxine AH soak
Or your vet may have a specific recommendation
Your farrier may need to resect the wall more than once to ensure all the infection is exposed. The goal is to return the wall and white line to full health and function.
If none of the above is working well or fast enough, then the next step would be a joint vet visit with radiographs and possible sedation to resect more - using a Dremel or similar.
