💢 Vet Advice 2025: Managing Subsolar Bruising in Horses Safely and Effectively 🐎🦶

When your horse starts limping without an obvious injury, subsolar bruising may be the hidden culprit. These deep, painful bruises occur in the sole of the hoof and often go undiagnosed until they become chronic. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston explains the causes, symptoms, prevention, and best treatments for subsolar bruising—a condition every horse owner should know about. 🧠🐴

📉 What Is Subsolar Bruising?

Subsolar bruising refers to hemorrhage and inflammation beneath the sole of the hoof—usually caused by trauma or repeated pressure. These bruises are internal and may not always show outward signs. They can cause mild to severe lameness and are common in horses with certain foot conformations. 🦶

🧪 What causes it?

• 🪨 Working on hard or rocky surfaces
• ✂️ Trimming the hoof too short
• 🔧 Incorrect shoeing, especially pressure points from shoes
• 📉 Thin-soled or flat-footed conformation
• 💧 Excess moisture weakening hoof structures

Key point: The sole is not meant to bear direct weight—any pressure or thinning increases vulnerability to bruising. 🧱

🔍 Recognizing the Signs of Sole Bruising

Because bruising is internal, detection can be tricky. Be alert for:

• 🐾 Intermittent or acute lameness
• 📉 Reluctance to walk on hard ground
• 🔦 Sensitivity to hoof testers
• 🦠 Mild heat or swelling near the hoof
• 🧼 Darkened spots on the sole (may appear later)

Don’t confuse sole bruises with abscesses: Abscesses usually involve pus and acute onset, while bruises develop gradually and don’t drain. 🧪

🛠️ Common Mistakes in Bruise Management

For years, horse owners have tried to “draw out” bruises using water soaks. But research now shows this may do more harm than good. 📉

❌ Why soaking is NOT recommended:

• 💧 Prolonged soaking softens the sole and hoof wall
• 🦠 Weakens protection and increases infection risk
• 📉 Can prolong recovery instead of accelerating it

This is especially true in show horses bathed frequently—constant wetting softens the hoof and leads to cracks, bruises, and instability. 🚿

✅ The Correct Treatment Approach

Instead of softening the hoof, you should aim to toughen the sole and protect the hoof capsule. Here's how:

1. 🛏️ Move the Horse to a Dry Stall

• Allow the sole to dry and firm up naturally
• Avoid turnout on wet, muddy terrain

2. 🧴 Use Sole Tougheners

• Apply formalin or iodine-based solutions (as directed)
• Use every 1–2 days to build resilience

3. 🩺 Support the Hoof Mechanically

• Use hoof boots or padded shoes to reduce ground impact
• Consider pour-in pads for temporary cushion and protection

4. 🧠 Avoid Invasive Trimming

• Never dig into bruises like you would with an abscess
• This causes more pain and delays healing

Many bruises resolve with rest and protection—but deeper ones may take weeks to fully heal. Patience is key. 🕰️

🦶 Flat-Footed and Thin-Soled Horses: Special Considerations

Some horses are genetically predisposed to sole bruising due to:

• 🧬 Thin sole depth
• 📉 Lack of concavity (flat soles)
• 🧲 Chronic laminitis or metabolic issues

These horses benefit from:

• 🛡️ Protective footwear year-round
• 🧴 Routine use of sole hardeners
• 🧾 Strategic trimming that avoids over-thinning the sole

🧠 Prevention Tips: Keep Soles Strong

• 📆 Schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to avoid overgrowth or imbalance
• 🌦️ Adjust turnout based on weather and footing
• 🧴 Apply iodine or Durasole regularly in soft-soled horses
• 🪨 Avoid long work sessions on rocky or asphalt terrain

📲 Ask A Vet: Solving Sole Bruising in Real Time

Not sure if your horse has a bruise or an abscess? Use the Ask A Vet app to send photos, videos, and hoof exam notes directly to licensed vets like Dr Duncan Houston. 📱🐴

The app gives you:

• 📷 Expert hoof evaluations and lameness assessments
• 🧪 Product and treatment recommendations
• 📅 Follow-up schedules to monitor healing

Download the Ask A Vet app today and treat bruised hooves the right way—from the first step. 🦶🛠️

🏁 Final Thoughts: Protect the Sole, Protect the Horse

Subsolar bruising is preventable and manageable—but only if you understand the right way to treat and avoid it. Skip the soaking tubs and focus on drying, strengthening, and supporting the sole instead. 🧱

✅ Recognize the signs ✅ Avoid moisture and overtrimming ✅ Use proper support and treatments

🐾 For help identifying and treating hoof bruises, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app. Work with Dr Duncan Houston and other trusted professionals to keep your horse’s hooves strong, sound, and bruise-free. 🐎💙