White Line Disease Treatment

Although proper nutrition creates a denser hoof wall that is more resistant to White Line Disease, applying a topical product that utilizes a blend of ingredients known to have antimicrobial properties is an important step. Iodine and tea tree oil are examples of ingredients with these properties. Effective products are available with a sticky clay-like consistency which pack easily and stay in place within existing wall cracks, wall defects, old nail holes, and hoof wall separations for extended periods of time.

Do not use topical products that prevent oxygen from passing through the hoof wall. Avoid remedies containing caustic chemicals such as bleach, copper sulfate, grease, motor oil, pine tar, formaldehyde, acetone, and turpentine. A good rule of thumb would be to avoid preparations that you would not want in contact with your own skin.

If the White Line Disease is extensive, hoof wall resection will allow oxygen to gain access to affected areas, thereby destroying the harmful hoof eating microbes that thrive in low oxygen environments.

Tips for Prevention of White Line Disease

Properly balanced nutrition strengthens the sole and hoof wall, thereby reducing the likelihood or severity of white line disease. The prevention of white line disease is most effective when a quality hoof supplement is utilized in combination with packing any existing hoof defects with a safe and effective topical hoof product containing ingredients known to combat microbes.