Equine keratoma is a benign but locally destructive keratin-producing mass arising from the horse’s hoof wall (or, more rarely, solar corium), often resulting in chronic or intermittent lameness due to progressive compression of the distal phalanx with or without concurrent infection. While lateromedial and dorsopalmar radiographs can demonstrate focal osteolysis or pressure remodeling of the distal phalanx, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are now considered the gold standard for precise localization and determination of lesion extent. Maarten Oosterlinck, a University of Ghent specialist veterinarian and 2027 International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame inductee, provides an overview of state-of-the-art treatment consisting of minimally invasive, yet complete surgical excision of the keratoma via partial hoof wall resection (or a sole approach, depending on lesion location).

You’ll Learn: How the latest technology is improving keratoma detection and how to approach removal and post-surgical scenarios. 

Maarten Oosterlinck, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVSMR, Dipl. ECVS, graduated from Ghent University in 2004 and has gained extensive experience in equine orthopaedics and surgery at the busy department of surgery and anaesthesiology of the faculty of veterinary medicine of Ghent University. Combining clinical work with research, Maarten earned his PhD on the use of pressure plate analysis for the objective evaluation of equine locomotion in 2011. He went on to perform a residency and in 2014, he passed the qualifying exam of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons. In 2018, he became diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Maarten has published on a variety of equine orthopaedic and surgical topics in peer-reviewed journals, and he lectures regularly at international courses and conferences. He is a scientific editor for The Veterinary Journal and a member of the editorial board of Equine Veterinary Education. In his current position as a postdoctoral staff member, Maarten’s daily clinical work is focused on equine orthopaedics, gait analysis, podiatry and surgery, while enjoying clinically orientated research, and lecturing and consulting about various topics in his field of expertise.