EAR PLAQUES

Cracks that extend more than an inch up the hoof and never seem to grow out and go away can be sign of a chronically unbalanced hoof. Even if the crack is thin and stable, work with your farrier to identify the cause and determine if a new approach to trimming and shoeing might be needed.

• Cracks that spread wider with each step, bleed or are associated with lameness. A crack with any of these characteristics is cause for an immediate call to your veterinarian and farrier. A combined effort from those two professionals can typically resolve most problems, but the longer it waits, the more damage will be done.

If you find small, white, crusty spots in your horse’s ears, resist the urge to pick or scrape them off. These wart-like growths are nothing to worry about and your efforts to remove them are likely to do more harm than good.

The growths are most likely aural plaques, also known as papillary acanthoma or ear papillomas. They are caused by one of several strains of papilloma virus spread by flies. Typically, both ears are affected, and while the pale, crusty patches may look unpleasant, they usually don’t cause the horse discomfort.

On the other hand, attempts to scrape away these crusts will likely be painful for your horse and may end up making him head shy. What’s more, if you manage to remove the plaques, they will probably just return.

If, however, the plaques crack and bleed, or if they seem to bother your horse, ask your veterinarian how the situation can be managed. Fitting your horse with ear covers when insects are most active may prevent the spread of plaques and keep them from becoming irritated. In addition,