Scanning electron microscope observations of hoof horn from horses with brittle feet.
Two types of defect were observed when hoof clippings from horses with brittle feet were viewed in the scanning electron microscope. The first defect showed a loss of structure and horn in the stratum externum. This defect was remedied after biotin treatment. The second defect showed poor attachment of the horn squames and failed to respond to biotin treatment alone. An improvement in this case was achieved by the addition of powdered limestone to the diet.
D000818:Animals; D001710:Biotin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
D001710:Biotin; D002118:Calcium