• As a basic principle, a horse that has suffered an injury from a picked-up nail will need to be kept in a clean, dry stable to minimise the risk of further infection.

• Depending on the size and depth of the defect, the patient will need to be rested for up to 4 months after surgery, with 2 months in the paddock and 2 months hand walking.

• If a new, firm layer of horn has grown back over the wound, the horse may be shod again normally, although the underside of the hoof will still need to be protected with leather or synthetic pad.