The perioplic ring (A) is responsible for the protective layer, which is the glaze-like layer of the hoof capsule. The coronary band with the coronary corium (B) is responsible for development of the hoof capsule.

Farriers may find themselves dealing with at least three distinct types of coronary band injuries. They include irritation and damage to the coronary band and sandcracks.

Each of these coronary band concerns will be outlined here in detail, with a detailed description of the problem, the cause and a recommendation for proper treatment.

Coronary Brand Irritations

An irritation of the perioplic ring and/or the coronary corium at the coronary band is often found with horses that are kept in stalls for long periods. Coronary band irritations can also occur when hooves are looked after intensively on a daily basis.

Causes

An irritation of the coronary band under the horse’s hair can be caused by frequently scrubbing the hooves with a stiff brush or from the excessive use of oils, ointments and irritant products. These products sometimes blister the perioplic ring, the perioplic corium and coronary corium.

With the long-term use of such products, irritation of the coronary band can occur. This may result in an inflammation of the perioplic ring, the coronary corium under the perioplic ring or the bulb corium at the back of the hoof. Such irritations can eventually lead to a change in the horn structure.

With this serious irritation, the structure of the horny wall changed dramatically.

With this extreme irritation…