Lane, S. E., Sellers, A. S., Shepard, N. D. et al. 2020. Putting our best foot forward: Care and conditioning for swine hooves. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 8(1) (January/February), 40-42.

Maintaining the hooves of swine in research is vital to their health and welfare. Ideal flooring provides stable footing and a surface for wearing down the hooves. Otherwise, injuries can occur, or repeated anesthesia may be needed for regular hoof trimming. We observed hoof cracks in a group of domestic farm swine on a particular study. Clinical care was initiated to support healing of hoof cracks and prevention of future ones. A topical ointment (Hooflex® Therapeutic Conditioner, W.F. Young, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA) was selected that has primarily been used in horses for deep conditioning to restore and support healthy hooves but has also been suggested for optimal hoof health of show swine. The purpose of this report is to describe our experience with swine hoof treatment and health promotion during the provision of husbandry and veterinary care to swine in an approved study.