In this article
Buttress Foot in Horses: 2025 Vet Guide by Dr Duncan Houston 🐴🦶
Hello! I’m Dr Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of AskAVet.com. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we take a deep dive into buttress foot—also called pyramidal disease—a condition where new bone formation at the extensor process leads to swelling and pain at the coronary band. We’ll cover causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment options, rehabilitation techniques, and prevention to safeguard hoof integrity and comfort. Let’s protect your horse’s foundation! 🌟
📌 What Is Buttress Foot?
Buttress foot (pyramidal disease) occurs when the extensor process of the coffin (P3) or distal pastern bone develops excess bone formation (exostosis), often causing a visible bulge at the top of the hoof wall near the coronary band :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
⚠️ Why It Matters
- Bone protrusion stresses soft tissues in the hoof capsule.
- Over time, may lead to chronic lameness, abscesses, or hoof distortion :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Often linked to fractures, arthritis, or tendon strain :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
👀 Clinical Signs & Symptoms
- Swelling or bulging above the coronary band at the toe or pastern :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Intermittent forelimb lameness; horse may "toe-off" or avoid weight in stance :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Warmth, digital pulse increase, and hoof tester sensitivity focused at that site :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
🔬 Diagnostic Approach
- Physical exam: palpation, hoof test, flexion to pinpoint the source :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Radiographs: confirm bone proliferation, fractures, or arthritis :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Ultrasound: assess tendon sheath or soft tissue involvement :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
🛠️ Treatment & Management
🐎 Medical/Palliative Care
- NSAIDs (e.g., phenylbutazone, flunixin) for pain and inflammation :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Corrective shoeing: support hoof, relieve pressure off bulge :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Stable turnout and rest to reduce loading pressure.
🔧 Surgical Intervention
- Remove bone fragments or exostosis via hoof wall window when they irritate joint or tendon :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Post-op farriery: special shoeing or hoof cast to support healing.
🧩 Rehabilitation & Monitoring
- Restrict heavy exercise; introduce turnout on soft ground.
- Reassess with radiographs and exams every 6–8 weeks.
- Coordinate farrier work every 4–6 weeks to maintain hoof balance.
🔁 Prognosis & Outcomes
- Mild early cases respond well with conservative management :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
- Advanced cases with fractures or arthritis may become chronic and career-limiting, despite therapy :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
🛡️ Prevention Strategies
- Routine farriery and hoof balance to reduce tendon stress :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
- Avoid overloading, especially in high-impact workouts on poor footing.
- Monitor conformation—horses with upright "club feet" are predisposed :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
- Early evaluation for any swelling at the coronary band—treat promptly.
📊 2025 Vet Quick Summary
| Aspect | Action |
|---|---|
| Sign | Bulging/coronary swelling |
| Diagnose | Exam, radiographs ± ultrasound |
| Treat | NSAIDs + shoeing or surgery |
| Rehab | Rest, soft turnout, trim intervals |
| Prevent | Balanced hoof care + avoid overloading |
🌟 Final Thoughts from Your 2025 Vet
Buttress foot—while uncommon—can cause persistent hoof issues and lameness. With prompt detection, combined medical/surgical management, and consistent hoof support, many horses return to comfortable use. 🐎✨
📲 Use the AskAVet.com app to submit photos, track swelling, schedule farrier calls, and review X-rays with a vet. We’re here to protect your horse's hoof health! 💙
