• Generally, the foreign body should be removed with due care as soon as possible. Otherwise, there is a risk that the sharp object may be driven even deeper by the weight placed on the foot, injuring and infecting other sensitive structures. 

Note: the offending object (penetrating foreign body) needs to be kept and shown to the attending veterinary surgeon.

• If the foreign body is so firmly embedded that it cannot be removed, any section protruding over the level of the bearing edge of the hoof should be cut off with pliers or nippers to prevent further penetration.

• The site of entry of the foreign body, together with the direction and the depth penetration, need to be recorded accurately e.g. by making a sketch and/or marking the hoof and the object in question (N.B. do not use felt-tip pens – they wash away too easily!).

• The hoof can then be cleaned and the entry site disinfected and covered over with a swab soaked with disinfectant. After this, the hoof should be protected with a clean hoof dressing.