Preventing & Treating Horse Heel Bulb Injuries

A horse heel bulb injury occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the hoof, called the bulb, is cut, bruised, or torn. Causes include improper shoeing, sharp objects, or overreaching. Treat heel bulb injuries by cleaning the wound, applying antiseptic, and protecting the area with a bandage or boot. Consider bell boots when riding and in turnout for prevention.

Horse heel bulb injuries happen when the back of the hoof sustains trauma. These common injuries range from superficial cuts to deep wounds of synovial structures, tendons, or joints. 

Heel bulb lacerations can cause lameness, bleeding, and swelling. If nearby synovial structures, such as the navicular bursa, digital flexor tendon sheath, or coffin joint, are involved, the injury can be severe. Early wound management prevents infection and improves prognosis.

Causes of Heel Bulb Injuries in Horses

Sharp objects, inadequate hoof care, and environmental hazards cause heel bulb injuries. A few examples are:

• Stepping on sharp objects (nails, glass, wire, rocks).
• Kicking hard surfaces (fences, stall walls, or doors).
• Bad shoeing that leads to hoof wall instability.
• Trauma inflicted by poor footing, such as muddy, icy, deep, or hard conditions.
• Interference injuries where the horse strikes the heel bulb with its hoof.

Injuries to the heel bulbs can involve the hoof wall, coronary band, and deeper foot structures. A deep heel bulb laceration can increase the risk of joint infection.

How to Recognize Heel Bulb Injuries

A horse with a heel bulb injury will:

• Be lame—mild to extreme, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Bleed from a cut or puncture wound.
• Exhibit swelling and heat in the affected leg.
• Exhibit visible tissue damage with exposed tendons or ligaments in acute cases.
• React painfully when the injured area is palpated.

If the wound leaks synovial fluid, which is clear and yellowish-looking, the joint or tendon sheath has most likely been penetrated and needs immediate veterinary attention.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians assess heel bulb lacerations with various methods and may use some or all of the following approaches:

• Physical examination to determine the depth and involvement of vital structures.
• Numb the area to allow better visualization of deeper wounds.
• Synovial fluid tests if joint or tendon sheath is involved.
• X-rays or ultrasound assess bone, collateral cartilage, and soft tissue damage.
• Regional limb perfusion – a procedure performed by a veterinarian that allows antibiotics to be delivered intravenously to the affected area in infection-risk cases.

Early diagnosis improves the prognosis as wound infection can lead to serious joint damage.

Treatment of Heel Bulb Injuries

First Aid and Emergency Care

• Clean the wound with an antiseptic solution to remove dirt.
• Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with clean gauze.
• Assess the depth before bandaging.

Veterinary Care

• Superficial lacerations can be managed with wound care, bandaging, and limited turnout or stall rest.
• Deeper injuries may require suturing, systemic antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication.
• Synovial structure involvement may need regional limb perfusion and flushing.

Proper care of heel bulb lacerations reduces healing time and the chance of infection.

Long Term Recovery

Horses with heel bulb injuries need:

• Restricted movement to prevent further trauma.
• Bandage changes to keep the wound clean and covered.
• Gradual return to work once the wound has healed.

Most superficial wounds heal by second intention, which means new tissue forms without sutures. However, deeper injuries require intensive treatment for a good outcome.

How to Prevent Heel Bulb Injuries in Horses

Conscientious hoof care combined with prudent pasture and stable management will protect heel bulbs from trauma and injury. Listed below are specific steps horse owners can take to minimize risk.

• Remove sharp objects from paddocks and stables.
• Avoid muddy or icy footing and rough, hard terrain.
• Check heel bulbs daily for signs of injury or infection.
• Use protective gear like bell boots to cover the back of the hoof.

Bell boots are a practical solution to preventing heel bulb injuries. Horses can wear bell boots during turnout and when ridden. They fit around the horse’s hoof and cover the sensitive heel bulb area.

However, bell boots aren’t always a perfect solution.

Some bell boots can rub and irritate horses’ pastern areas. Others may fasten flimsily, resulting in lost boots, especially when worn in turnout. Cheaply constructed boots of inferior material fail to withstand the abuse inflicted upon them during daily wear and disintegrate quickly.

Protecting your horse from heel bulb injuries can be tricky if bell boots fail to withstand the rigors of everyday wear and tear.

At ThinLine, we’re thrilled to offer a bell boot with sturdy, anatomical construction that provides premium heel bulb protection.

You’ll be wildly impressed with the Gatusos Deluxe Horse Bell Boot.

This boot is made of EVA GUMFLY, a patented material derived from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). It is soft, flexible, rubber-like, and antibacterial.

The boot’s construction consists of a single piece of EVA GUMFLY, so there are no seams. And the material is also lightweight, weighing only 118 grams (approximately 4 ounces).

Their anatomical design ensures a close fit around the hooves and the hoof bulbs, eliminating spinning and providing superior protection for the sensitive heel bulb area.

Durability is another plus for these boots, as their material is known for its toughness, impact absorption, and resistance to stress cracks. Double Velcro fasteners keep the boots securely on.

If you’re looking for bell boots that will last and last while keeping your horse injury-free, we think these boots will surpass your expectations!

Final Points

Horse heel bulb injuries range from minor cuts to more serious lacerations involving synovial structures. When necessary, early diagnosis, proper wound care, and veterinary involvement improve healing. Bell boots, hoof care, and safe paddocks also reduce the chance of injury. 

Common Questions

Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.