Definition, Causes, and Solutions

White Line Disease is caused by bacterial and fungal invasions that damage the medial (middle) hoof wall. These organisms require a nutrient-rich environment that is lacking oxygen to flourish. They are often introduced into the hoof wall at the junction of the sole and the hoof wall. 

Often, trauma to the hoof capsule creates bruising and bleeding. The damaged and leaking blood vessels create a good food source for the “hoof eating” microbes. Other predisposing factors include a prior occurrence of an abscess or laminitis in which the hoof wall becomes full of holes and crevices, nail holes or hoof cracks allowing organisms to gain access, and high moisture environments which tend to soften the foot and allow the bacterial and fungal organisms an easier entrance into the hoof.

The middle hoof wall is the target of these invasions because of its low density and lack of oxygen. The outer hoof wall is more resistant to invasions due to its higher density and exposure to environmental oxygen. The inner hoof wall, is more resistant as well due to its proximity to live tissue. The live tissue is oxygen rich and has infection fighting abilities.

Treatment of White Line Disease should be based on the advice of your farrier or veterinarian. Severe defects such as extensive wall separations due to White Line Disease may need to be surgically debrided to allow oxygen into the diseased environment. The extent, if any, of hoof wall removal to open diseased areas to air should be based on your farrier’s or veterinarian’s advice.

Products that can help:
There are many hoof disinfectants on the market for white line disease. Just make sure to pick one that is not caustic and does not contain petroleum derived ingredients. A red flag goes for products that urge you to wear gloves and to keep them away from healthy hoof tissue or your skin.

An excellent option is Life Data^® Hoof Clay^®. A natural and non-caustic antimicrobial clay that can be applied with your bare hands. It’s sticky and stays in place for days.

How to use Life Data^® Hoof Clay^® for White Line Disease:

Clean any wall separations at the plantar surface and firmly pack the Hoof Clay with your fingers into wall separations along the white line area and into any external hoof wall defects. Repeat the cleaning and application of the Hoof Clay every 3 to 4 days in muddy conditions. Application once per week usually suffices in dry conditions.

Life Data® Hoof Clay® destroys the hoof eating microbes and allows oxygen to pass through it. Because it’s sticky and stays in place for days, it continuously combats microbial and fungal invasions. It can be used on barefoot horses, under hoof pads and under shoes.

Try Life Data^® Hoof Clay^®

J. Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS 
Founder of Life Data Labs, Inc. 
Developer of Farrier’s Formula® 
H. Scott Gravlee, DVM, CNS 
Equine Nutrition Consultant