What is a sole bruise?
A sole bruise occurs when direct localized pressure is
applied to the sole, either as a single incident (a stone bruise)
or by repeated concussion (as a result of a shoe that has moved
under the hoof). |
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Bruising results when blood vessels are damaged allowing blood and
tissue fluid to escape into the surrounding area which causes
swelling. This also causes the red discolouration that is seen
when the hoof is pared away over a bruised area.
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The
soft tissue of the corium is located between the pedal bone, which
is rigid, and the sole that has only limited flexibility. The
swelling in the damaged tissues has nowhere to expand to and
causes a build up of pressure within the tissue.
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This swelling is very
painful and slows down or obstructs healthy blood flow into the
area which in turn will cause further pressure and damage to the
surrounding tissues.
Deep seated bruising
It is a foot problem where there is heat and pain in the foot with
obvious lameness and localized pain when applying the hoof
testers. However, paring of the sole reveals no obvious marks or
bruising in the area and the problem tends to linger on.
These problems can be very frustrating. Often they are the result
of haemorrhage or leakage of clear yellow fluid from damaged blood
vessels. They are caused by serious trauma and are difficult to
detect. |
How do you treat a bruised sole? |
