Remembering Charlie: A Hidden Battle

Charlie was a beloved 26-year-old horse who spent his life full of spirit and love. He lived a good life despite his age and battles with heaves, a condition he managed well over the years. Charlie never showed any signs of pain or discomfort in his hooves—he was a fighter through and through.

 

However, after Charlie passed naturally from old age and his respiratory issues, we were surprised to discover something unexpected: a significant keratoma in his hoof. This tumor, which never gave him any obvious signs of lameness, had grown quietly over time.

What is a Keratoma? A keratoma is a rare, slow-growing tumor that forms in a horse’s hoof. It develops between the hoof wall and the coffin bone and is made of abnormal keratin, the same material as the hoof itself. Although they are usually benign, keratomas can cause discomfort or lameness as they grow and press against sensitive structures inside the hoof.

 

Signs to Watch For:

Recurrent or unexplained lameness

Bulging or deformities in the hoof wall

Sensitivity or pain during hoof trimming

Discharge or abnormal growth from the hoof

Since these symptoms can also indicate other issues, it’s crucial to have a veterinarian diagnose the problem using imaging like X-rays or an MRI.

 

Treatment Options: If diagnosed, treatment typically involves the surgical removal of the keratoma. The hoof may require careful management and protection as it heals post-surgery, but many horses recover fully with proper care. Regular check-ups and hoof care are essential to monitor healing and prevent complications.

Charlie’s story reminds us how resilient horses can be, but also how important it is to stay vigilant about their health, even when they seem fine on the surface.

 

We’re sharing images of Charlie's bones and the keratoma in the comments below for anyone interested in learning more about this condition and how it can stay hidden.

#RememberingCharlie #HorseCare #Keratoma #EquineHealth #ResilientHorses #GoneButNotForgotten