The "Hoof" of an Animal

[Bobbert]

Are the words "casco" and "pezuña" synonyms that mean "the hoof of an animal"?

If they are not synonyms, which common animals have "cascos" and which common animals have "pezuñas"?

I’m most interested in common animals like horses, bison, camels, cattle, and deer, etc.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

I felt there was a difference, but I had to go to the dictionary to find out: if I understand well, "casco" is only used for horses, as that's where you fix the horseshoes ("herraduras"). Yet, I have heard people from the country say "cascos" also for mules and donkeys, which are animals that also "wear" hoof protection sometimes... not for oxen though, even if they also can get their own "shoes".

"Pezuña" is the general word to speak about the foot of all hoofed animals.

[poli]

Colloquially and comically, I have heard pezuña used for toenail.

[Bobbert]

Thank you, Angelica and poli. That's what I needed to know.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

@Bobbert: Glad to help.

@Poli: Indeed. Some people use it for foot or for hand with an intention to be funny or pejorative.
- Quítame las pezuñas (las manos) de encima.
- Me duelen las pezuñas (los pies).