What is keratoma?

A keratoma is a benign tumor of the cells that make the hoof. It often occurs between the bones of the foot and the hoof capsule, and can affect either the wall or the sole. It's sometimes caused by injury or poor shoeing, but there may also be a genetic component.

Keratomas are generally removed as soon as they are found, with the wound covered by hoof replacement material. It can take up to a year for the hoof to return to normal. Untreated keratomas can cause bone damage. Most horses that get surgery recover well, but if bone damage is present the prognosis can be guarded.