Acquired ectopic hoof spur – diagnosis and management.

This case series reports the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of an ectopic horn formation. Three adult horses, each with an ectopic horny spur (EHS) after a chronic coronary band avulsion (occuring approximately 3 months prior), were admitted for treatment. The coronary band lesion caused ectopic epidermal germ cells to grow horn at right angles to the hoof wall at the plantaromedial or dorsolateral side of the hoof. Under general anaesthesia in all three horses the EHS and its matrix was excised followed by a reconstruction of the coronary band. The hoof was immobilised by a half limb cast for 2–3 weeks. In all horses the wound healed per primam and no recurrence occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]