What is nail bind
Nail bind occurs when a horseshoe nail is placed too close to the sensitive laminae inside the hoof. This creates painful pressure without penetrating the sensitive tissue. If a nail pierces the sensitive structures, this is called a hoof penetration injury, which is a different and more serious issue. Nail bind can cause discomfort and lameness, so it’s important to act quickly if you spot any changes after shoeing.
Signs and symptoms of nail bind
Signs of nail bind can appear straight after shoeing or up to a week later1. Lameness is the most common sign and can vary from a subtle dip in performance to obvious discomfort. Some horses may be a little short or uncomfortable in their stride, while others may be reluctant to move forward or turn.
Your horse may react when the specific nail is tapped or when hoof testers are applied over that part of the hoof wall. This focused tenderness helps your farrier or vet identify which nail is causing the problem.
You may also notice heat in the hoof and a stronger than normal digital pulse, which is usually felt at the back of the fetlock. These changes suggest inflammation and pressure building within the hoof.
If you spot any signs of nail bind or your horse seems uncomfortable after shoeing, contact your farrier in the first instance or vet in more serious or prolonged cases. Early attention usually leads to a quick and comfortable recovery.
Causes of nail bind
The main cause of nail bind is when a nail is placed too close to the laminae during shoeing. Even when the nail doesn’t penetrate the tissue, its closeness can create enough pressure to be painful.
Poor hoof quality can make accurate nailing more difficult. Thin, brittle or crumbling hoof walls give the farrier less secure horn to work with, which can increase the risk of a nail tracking too close to sensitive structures.
Horse behaviour can also play a role. If your horse moves, snatches or pulls their foot away during shoeing, a nail can be deflected off course, even in experienced hands.
External factors after shoeing can also play a part. If a shoe shifts, or nail clenches are set too tightly, pressure can develop on the sensitive laminae, leading to discomfort several days after the farrier visit.
Treatment of nail bind
The goal of treatment is to relieve pressure quickly and prevent infection. Your farrier or vet will usually remove the offending nail, and in many cases the entire shoe is taken off to make sure all pressure is released and the hoof can settle.
Tubbing and poulticing are commonly advised. Soak the foot in warm water with epsom salts to ease inflammation, then apply a clean poultice to draw out any fluid or developing infection. It’s important to keep the hoof clean and dry during this time.
Your vet may prescribe non‑steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and reduce inflammation. If there are signs of infection, antibiotics may also be recommended. Follow your vet's dosage and duration instructions carefully.
Always check that your horse’s tetanus vaccination is up to date. Any hoof issue that involves pressure or penetration can increase tetanus risk, so keeping boosters up to date will provide important protection.
Prevention of nail bind
Good hoof care is the best defense against nail bind. Work with a registered farrier and keep to a regular shoeing schedule so the hoof balance and wall quality are maintained.
A balanced diet will help to support healthy hoof growth. Supplements containing biotin can help improve horn quality over time, giving the farrier better hoof to work with and reducing the chance of nails running close.
Creating a calm and safe space for shoeing is really important. If your horse feels anxious or stressed during farrier visits, spending some time between appointments to help them get used to the process can make things much easier and more pleasant for everyone. For example, making sure your horse is comfortable standing for longer periods of time, lifting and holding their legs and getting used to the noise by tapping their hooves with the blunt end of a hoof pick.
If you’d like extra support, you can reach out to a registered equine behaviourist for guidance. In some cases, your horse might need a little sedation to keep everyone safe. Your vet will be able to advise you on whether this is necessary.
References
- Foundation Equine Wellness and Performance (2021) Nail bind
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