Hoof wall separation disease

[2] The disease has been found in Connemara ponies and was earlier referred to as hoof wall separation syndrome, HWSS.

The disease develops among foals from the age of one to six months and typically occurs during their first year of life.

This cracking, chipping and peeling may involve the whole of the dorsal hoof wall.

[2] The disease is associated with a frameshift mutation in the gene coding for the protein serpin B11.

[1] There is no treatment as such, owners can attempt to manage the condition though various types of hoof care, and/or the use of special shoes.