What is a crack that penetrates the entire hoof wall called?

• A. Toe crack
• B. White line crack
• C. Sole crack
• D. Wall fissure

Answer: (D)

Cracks that go all the way through the hoof wall are called wall fissures. This term emphasizes that the crack extends through the full thickness of the protective keratinized wall, making it a more severe condition than a superficial crack. The hoof wall is the outer protective layer, and when a fissure reaches through it, there’s greater risk of dirt and bacteria entering and potential involvement of deeper structures. Other crack types are more limited in depth or different locations: toe cracks are localized at the toe area; white line cracks occur at the junction between the hoof wall and sole; sole cracks occur in the sole itself.