Increases digital pulses

• The neurovascular bundle runs over the sesamoid bone on the lateral and medial aspects of the fetlocks
• Increased blood flow to help things heal but it can't get there due to the swelling and inflammation (the hoof can't expand) causing the bounding digital pulse leading to an increase in pressure
• label the image

  A) artery

  B) suspensory

  C) flexor

  
• palpate on the abaxial margin of the lateral and medial sesamoid bones, run your finger from side to side to feel the neuro vascular bundle (feels like a string). Place a finger and thumb on either side and apply gentle pressure to feel to digital pulses
• Assess strength, this is what you are looking for an increase in, not rate. A normal pulse is not always easy to feel, they are faint, takes practise and is even harder with thick skin / heavy feathers (a racehorses pulse will be easier to find). A raised pulse is easier to find, these can be described as ‘bounding’. Compare to other legs as it is important to assist with diagnosis if more than one leg is affected
• The horse normally puts more weight on its fore limbs (60%) a key sign of pain in the front feet (laminitis) is leaning back
• • Normal hoof rings are parallel to the coronary band
  • If the rings are divergent to the heel area this is a common sign seen in laminitis
• Hoof testers are a good rule in technique not rule out as not all horses react as expected with a hoof abscess
• Differential diagnoses for increased digital pulses are…

  • Laminitis
  • Subsolar (hoof) abscess
  • Fracture
  • Bruising
  • Corns
  • Keratoma
  • Septic pedal osteitis
  • Sole penetration
  • Soft tissue damage in the sole
  • Thrush in frog clefts (not always a cause)
  • This disease is external to the hoof capsule so likely will not cause an increase in digital pulses however it can do when it is severe