Nail prick

Nail prick /Quicking is the condition in which there is penetration of nail through sensitive laminae of the hoof during faulty shoeing. So competant farrier is required.

Symptoms

• Pain evinced when hoof tester is placed over hoof.
• Lameness
• Unable to put weight on affected limbs.

Causes

• Faulty shoeing

Prevention

• Careful horse shoeing is the best way to prevent nail prick.
• Regular foot checkup

Treatment

• Horse shoe should be removed and pus is drained from abcess.
• The nail prick area should be throughly cleanead and iodine should be used for flushing of the wound.
• Tetanus toxoid vaccination should be given to prevent tetanus.
• Hot poultice is recommended for ripening of abcess.
• NSAIDS should be given to control pain and swelling.
• Nutrition supplements such as biotin, zinc and methionine may help the growth of hoof.