Which management measure should always be used to treat complete wall cracks?

• A. Bandage alone
• B. Claw block
• C. Cold therapy
• D. Oral antibiotics

Answer: (B)

Complete hoof wall cracks require offloading the injured claw so it can heal under less stress. Placing a claw block on the healthy claw achieves this by transferring weight away from the cracked wall, stabilizing the injury, and reducing movement at the crack. That offloading is what makes healing possible and helps minimize pain during standing and gait.

Bandage alone won’t support or protect the crack under load, cold therapy is only temporary symptomatic relief, and oral antibiotics aren’t universally needed unless there’s infection. The claw block directly addresses the mechanical problem, which is why it’s the essential measure.