Which condition is described by wall separation and necrotic tissue?

• A. Ringbone
• B. Laminitis
• C. White line disease
• D. Sidebone

Answer: (C)

Wall separation with necrotic tissue points to white line disease. The white line is the junction where the hoof wall meets the sole, and when bacteria or fungi invade this area, they weaken the bond and cause the wall to separate from the sole. Necrotic debris often accumulates in this gap, giving a crumbly, foul, or “seedy” appearance in the white line region. This scenario is distinct from ringbone or sidebone, which are bony changes in the hoof, and from laminitis, which centers on inflammation and damage to the laminae that attach the hoof wall to the coffin bone. Management focuses on removing the necrotic tissue, thorough cleaning and debridement, keeping the area dry and protected, and regular hoof care; more extensive cases may require veterinary treatment.