Part of P3 affected by toe ulcers?

• A. Dorsal ridge
• B. Apex
• C. Flexor tuberosity
• D. Proximal articular surface

Answer: (B)

Toe ulcers expose and threaten the tip of the coffin bone because the toe region brings the hoof wall directly over the distal end of P3. The apex is the distal-most point of P3 that projects into the toe area, so a lesion at the toe naturally involves this part. The dorsal ridge sits higher on the dorsal surface and isn’t the exposed tip; the flexor tuberosity lies on the palmar/plantar surface where the flexor tendon attaches and is shielded inside the hoof; the proximal articular surface is the joint surface at the top of P3 and not in the toe’s external line of ulceration. Hence, the apex is the part most likely affected by toe ulcers.