White line disease can affect most horse breeds, but is often seen in Quarter Horses. The white line refers to the whitish line or space on a horse’s hoof that falls between the outside hoof wall and the sole. It’s often described as the area where the outside of the hoof wall meets the sole creating a white line in appearance. White line disease occurs when this area is damaged and fungus or bacteria overtakes the white line or space between the hoof wall and sole.

Bacteria actually separates the layers of the hoof wall and causes infection that can travel through the hoof and up the wall gradually eating away at the hoof. Although it is called white line disease, the actual infection takes place deep within the layers of the hoof wall. If you’re concerned that your Quarter horse has white line disease, give your vets Ranson, WV a call.