There is no structure on the horse that is more susceptible to injury, disease or “wear and tear” than the equine foot. Proper, timely hoof care can often make the difference between a sound performance horse and one with chronic lameness. Some of the farriery problems we encounter and treat are listed below:
Horses will not perform to their optimum potential without good structures and function of their feet. Intermittent lameness, foot soreness, movement issues and just poor performance can be related to farriery. On a consultation basis, each case is evaluated with the attending farrier regarding the integrity of the foot structures, foot conformation and the landing pattern of the horse. The appropriate farriery is then applied using basic farriery and biomechanical principles. Radiographs can be used as a guideline or template for the farriery when necessary.
Laminitis unfortunately continues to occur on a frequent basis. It is often a life-threatening disease. Initial treatment is directed at stabilizing the foot. In the chronic stage, once the foot is stabilized, various advanced methods and types of shoes / appliances, depending on the individual case and amount of damage, can be applied using radiographic guidance to promote healing and provide biomechanical efficiency. The wooden shoe has been very successful treating chronic laminitis with over 250 cases documented.
Chronic abscesses, punctures, canker and keratomas
Non-responsive or reoccurring white line disease, WLD causing lameness or WLD where the separation has advanced to the stage where the distal phalanx has displaced within the hoof capsule and become unstable.
The latest advances in farriery and technology are used to treat hoof capsule distortions such as… long toe-under run heels, club feet and sheared heels.
Chronic lameness localized to the foot using diagnostic anesthesia and imaging is often treated successfully and maintained using therapeutic shoeing. Treatment utilizes the combination of radiographs, appropriate trimming, size, type and placement of shoe with mechanics applied to the shoe when necessary.
Evaluation and treatment of angular, flexural and rotational limb deformities in foals and weanlings.
