What happens when a horse's buttress is damaged?

When the buttress of a horse's hoof is damaged, it can significantly affect the overall biomechanics of the horse, leading to improper weight distribution. The buttress is a crucial structure of the hoof supporting the frog and the digital cushion, and damage to it can disrupt the normal function and balance of the hoof. As a result, this can cause the horse to shift its weight unevenly, potentially leading to additional problems such as lameness or stress in other parts of the body due to altered gait mechanics.

While immediate lameness is a possibility, it is not guaranteed, as the extent of the damage can vary. Additionally, healing times and the potential for performance impacts depend on various factors, including the severity of the injury and the care received. Damage may not only affect the buttress itself but can also influence other components of the hoof, making it a more complex issue than merely affecting the hoof wall.