title: [Structure and clinical implications of the coronary horn stratification with special consideration of horn maturation, aging and decay processes in the equine hoof].
abstract: The three superimposing strata of the coronet and the ageing process and decay of the hoof horn were studied in 56 fore hooves of 28 domestic horses of different age and sex. Except for horn clefts at the weight bearing margin, their hooves did not show any signs of pathological changes. Their hooves did not show any signs of pathological changes. The investigation comprised the analysis of the structure and the mechanical-physical measurement of horn hardness. The own results showed that the functional and clinical importance of the three strata of the coronet concerns the absorption and distribution of the horizontal and vertical pressure and the resilient-elastical fixatia of the suspensory apparatus of the coffin bone to the inner spongiforme Stratum medium. Disruptive pathological changes may spread out between the different horn layers which sometimes leads to the phenomenon of the "Hollow Wall". The hard and stable coronet is composed of tubular and intertubular horn. Distal of the crest of the coffin bone the horn hardness decreases and clefts are visible which are interpreted as ageing processes. The medullar horn decays much faster in certain regions, thus enabling ascending infections especially in the white line area, causing "White Line Disease". Under consideration of the references the own results proved, that regular and professional trimming of the hoof can prevent these diseases and improves the pododermal blood circulation and the orthokeratotic cornification. By improving the stable hygiene and adequate nutritional supply with minerals and vitamins these measures can be supported.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Veterinär-Anatomie des Fachbereiches Veterinärmedizin der Freien Universität Berlin.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: König
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Budras
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male