KERATOMA

• Keratoma is a non cancerous tumor involving the tissue that produces the hoof wall and sole.
• It derives its name from the type of cell involved;the cells that produce keratin.Keratin is the substance that makes up the insensitive layer of the hoof wall and sole.
• Keratomas extremly uncommon When they occur ,they typically cause the hoof wall or sole to bulge.
• Chronic pressure can cause the bone to absorb some of the calcium from the site.
• Treatment involves removing the hoof wall or sole overlying the swelling,and removing yhe entire mass of abnormal tissue.
• It may be necessary to remove a strip of wall from the ground surface to the coronary band.
• Although this procedure can be done after a nerve block ,it is usually quicker,easier,and less painful if the horse is anestheized.
• After removing the overlying wall or sole and abnormal tissue,the exposed area is covered with an iodine soaked dressing ,and the entire foot is kept bandaged and dry until the exposed tissues hardens.

Reference

lameness

Equine research
by
Christine King and Richard Mansmann