Have been researching for one of my uni assignments and came accross this for anyone interested in whats so interesting about bars :) We have always assumed that the structure of the bars is virtually identical to the hoof wall at the toe and quarters, because both have primary and secondary epidermal laminae. The bars are generally thought to be an actual continuation of the hoof wall with laminae reaching into the sole at an angle dictated by the bars’ shape, which in turn is one of several external parameters used by farriers to judge how strong and well-formed a foot is. Collapsed bars indicate weakness in the back of the foot. However, recent research by Robert Bowker VMD PhD shows that the bars have a more complex structure, including what he has termed tertiary (three level) epidermal laminae (TEL). On a microscopic level at least, the bars’ laminae (in circle at left) appear able to form tubular horn and contribute cells to the growth of both the hoof wall and the sole. The orientation of these new sole’s tubules is influenced by the position of the bars and may be dependent on pressure during stance. Recognizing deformity or malfunction in the bars may turn out to be an important first step in restoring symmetry and function. (Page 7) grayson-jockeyclub.org/newsimages/hl_78_17-27.pdf
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 09:22:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015