Nails or other objects that have punctured the bottom of a horse’s hoof, sometimes called street nails, require careful veterinary inspection. Veterinarians should only remove a nail after he or she has thoroughly evaluated the its location in the hoof and collected radiographs, if necessary. It is important to determine if there is any involvement with deeper structures of the hoof.
Source: The Horse, April 1, 2018.
Time is key, and the sooner puncture wounds to the hoof receive veterinary attention, the better. Puncture wounds that do not affect any important structures within the hoof often heal nicely with appropriate veterinary intervention.
However, when puncture wounds involve deeper structures, the prognosis varies and greatly depends on timely veterinary intervention and aggressive treatment. Unfortunately, some puncture wounds to the hoof can result in irreparable damage.
INSIGHTS: Street nail risk are high in spring. Consider using this article in newsletters, with horse owner groups or in social media posts.