Inward and upward spiral rotation of the toe is characteristic of which hoof condition?

• A. Corkscrew claw
• B. Toe twist
• C. Claw deformity
• D. Toe spiral disease

Answer: (A)

The pattern described—an inward and upward spiral rotation of the toe—is classic for corkscrew claw. This non-infectious hoof deformity causes the toe to twist medially and lift upward as the hoof wall grows abnormally and weight bearing shifts. The result is a corkscrew-like appearance of the toe, often with accompanying lameness due to altered weight distribution on the hoof. Other terms like toe twist or toe spiral disease are less precise, and claw deformity is too broad to capture this specific spiral rotation.