Histologic evaluation of the diversity of epidermal laminae in hooves of horses without clinical signs of laminitis.

Objective: To evaluate the histologic diversity of epidermal laminae in hooves from horses without clinical signs of laminitis.

Sample Population: Formalin-fixed samples of stratum internum obtained from the mid region of the dorsal aspect of the hoof wall from the forelimbs of 35Thoroughbred cadavers (including foals [n = 9], yearlings [5], 2 year olds [6], racing horses [5], and mares [10]).

Procedures: Paraffin-embedded laminar tissues were stained with H&E for the evaluation of architectural variety of primary epidermal laminae (PEL) and secondary epidermal laminae (SEL).