Archive Case #113: Equine Keratoma

Clinical Clues

1. A horse has repeated episodes of lameness from the same foot over several months.
2. The problem improves after routine abscess treatment but keeps returning.
3. The farrier notes persistent distortion of one area of the hoof wall.
4. Radiographs show a smooth semicircular pressure defect in the distal phalanx.
5. A keratin-producing mass within the hoof capsule is suspected.
6. Equine keratoma is an uncommon cause of chronic recurrent hoof abscessation and foot pain.

Diagnosis

Equine Keratoma

This case is most consistent with Equine Keratoma because the horse has repeated hoof abscessation with a characteristic radiographic defect. The most important clues are the chronic recurrence and hoof wall distortion, which make a simple single abscess less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.