Summary
The extensive nature of this topic warrants this review paper
to be divided into two parts: ‘Routine basic trimming in foals’
and ‘Therapeutic farriery in foals’. Hoof care in the first few
months of life is serious business and should never be taken
lightly. Good farriery is vital for the development of the hoof
capsule and the conformation of the limb. Management of
the feet and limbs during the juvenile period will often dictate
the success of the foal as a sales yearling or mature sound
athlete. Overall hoof care of a foal is often a joint venture
between the veterinarian and the farrier. Part 1 of this paper
will outline the concept of a footcare programme,
examination of the foal’s feet and limbs along with what
constitutes good basic farriery to properly apply the trim. It
will also emphasise the importance of maintaining a good
veterinarian-farrier relationship - the farrier being responsible
for basic trimming with veterinary oversight when necessary,
and if orthopaedic disorders develop, the farrier will have
significant input with therapeutic farriery.
Introduction
The importance of appropriate hoof care in the foal during
the first few months of life cannot be denied yet the
information published on this subject in the veterinary
literature is sparse. There is a relative lack of controlled
scientific studies in the area of foal foot care to actually
assess the impact of interventions such that developing data
in this area is frustratingly slow. Among the many factors that
dictate the success of the foal as a sales yearling or a mature
adult are accurate timely foot care decisions along with the
appropriate management of the foal’s feet and limbs. This is
the period when hoof care plays a significant role to produce
the basis for a strong foundation (hoof) for the animal’s future
athletic career while influencing the growth and angulation
of the limb above the hoof to some degree. Realising that
there are potential complications associated with excessive
interventional measures involving the foal’s foot, it is
important to understand basic farriery principles, as well as
the indications, contraindications and the appropriate
treatment methodology required (Greet and Curtis 2003;
O’Grady 2008, 2017; Hunt and Baker 2017). Every effort should
be made to avoid causing damage to the foot or the other
developing skeletal structures due to a lack of understanding
of the wide array of farriery methods presently being used.
One should never allow the foot to become a ‘victim’ of
misguided, inappropriate or overzealous treatment often
used to create a cosmetic effect. This paper will present a
review of current credible information on hoof care in foals
that can be applied in a practical manner while dispelling
some of the anecdotal methodology that presently exists.Considering this deficiency of information in the literature,
segments of this text will be based on the author’s extensive
clinical practice, comprehensive clinical records and
comparisons of case outcomes.
Initial examination
Many breeding farms have developed foot care programmes
that use the skills of a veterinarian with an interest in farriery
and a skilled farrier working together as a team. The team will
focus on basic routine farriery applied to the foal and to those
limb deformities that can be addressed through therapeutic
farriery or farriery combined with surgery. The veterinarian uses
his medical and anatomical knowledge while the farrier uses
his technical and mechanical skills. From the onset, the
emphasis should always be placed on good basic farriery and
biomechanical principles rather than anecdotal or traditional
farriery methods of questionable merit. This joint venture allows
an earlier and more accurate diagnosis and initiation of a
treatment plan, leading to faster improvement or resolution
and a better prognosis for foot problems. Unless an
orthopaedic disorder is identified at birth or shortly thereafter,
all foals should be examined by the veterinarian, farrier and
the manager/owner at the time of the first trim which is
generally performed at a month of age. Problem or suspect
foals are identified at this time and are then examined on a
monthly or bi-monthly basis and followed through weaning.
Many subtle problems or indications of potential problems
can be detected early, leading to the immediate initiation of
treatment. If this programme corrects the limb alignment or
increases the athletic potential of one foal on the farm, the
programme becomes cost effective.
Evaluating the foal
A complete physical examination and an initial evaluation of
limb conformation should be performed on every foal shortly
after birth which will also serve as a baseline for subsequent
examinations. Good record keeping is vitally important.
Records are designed to suit the individual needs of a given
farm/owner. The records should reflect a thorough history
from birth, physical examinations, any veterinary issues,
treatments or medications administered, the physical
appearance of a foal’s feet and limbs, farrier comments and
any subtle changes that occur during development on at
least a monthly basis. Digital images (pictures, videos and
radiographs) can be taken and added to the foal’s record.
The images can be used to create a baseline, and are
helpful in determining the response to treatment. Subsequent
serial images can determine whether there is progress or
regression in the foal’s feet/limbs. Pictures and videos can
easily be acquired with a camera, smartphone or tablet and
transferred directly to the individual foal’s file or record on the
computer
Foals should always be taken out of the stall and
observed standing on a firm surface each time they are
evaluated and before being trimmed. Also, it is essential to
observe the foal walking on a firm surface before the feet
are trimmed. Standing in front of the foal, the limbs are
observed at a slightly oblique angle that is in line with the
face of the carpus so the clinician can better judge any
deviations of the limb centred on the joints. Mild carpal
valgus with slight outward rotation of the forelimbs is
considered normal (Adams and Santschi 2000; Santschi et al.
2006; Hunt and Baker 2017). An imaginary dot system is a
useful method to evaluate the conformation of the feet and
limbs of a foal. Starting at the ground surface of the foot, an
imaginary dot is placed at the middle of the toe of the foot,
the coronary band, above and below the fetlock, proximal
third metacarpal bone (Mclll), carpus and distal radius. When
these dots are connected with an imaginary line, it is easy to
see if and/or where an angular limb deformity exists. In the
ideal situation, when viewed from the front, the dots should
form a straight line. However, one must be careful not to rule
out the presence of a rotational deformity. In this case, the
carpus is rotated outward (laterally) leading to a toe out or
splay-footed conformation, yet when the dots are
connected, the axial alignment of the limb forms a straight
line. The coronary band is observed to see if it is level or
parallel with an imaginary line drawn at the ground surface
of the foot and it should be noted whether the bones of the
digit enter the middle of the hoof capsule or whether the
hoof is offset to one side. Foals with an offset carpus should
be noted as they have a tendency to develop carpal or
fetlock varus as they mature (Santschi et al. 2006). When
viewed from the side, the imaginary dots are again placed
on the limb as described above. When the dots are
connected with an imaginary line, the dots should form a
straight line from the distal radius to the proximal fetlock and
from the fetlock through the digit to the ground. Examining
the feet and limbs from the side should note whether the
carpus is flexed or hyperextended in the standing foal. The
hoof-pastern axis is evaluated to determine if the bones of
the digit are aligned and not broken forward (flexural
deformity) or broken backward (flexor flaccidity). The foot is
evaluated for size, conformation and any deviation in the
direction of the foot/limb towards or away from the midline.
Any swellings along the limb especially involving the physes
are noted, palpated and recorded. Each deformity is noted,
described and scored on a scale of 1–4. Grade 1 being mild
whereas grade 4 is severe and warrants close observation or
potential treatment. Finally, the foot is evaluated off the
ground, observing the position of the hoof capsule relative to
the bones of the digit, symmetry of the foot and the integrity
of the horny structures of the hoof capsule. When viewing the
solar surface of the foot with the foot off the ground, it is
important to place the dorsal surface of Mclll just above the
fetlock in the palm of the examiner’s hand that is closest to
the foal and allow the limb to hang loose; this will place the
limb in relaxation. The examiner’s visual line of sight is then
placed over the foot and the solar surface of the foot is
viewed in relation to the ground. The author pays strict
attention to the length of both heel bulbs as measured from
the ground surface of the hoof wall at the heel to the hair
line. A marked disparity in heel height is an indication of
disproportionate weight distribution being placed on one side
of the foot as the foot lands (O’Grady 2017). The initial or
subsequent evaluation would appear to be difficult and time
consuming; however, it can be performed thoroughly and
quickly once the evaluation protocol becomes routine. This
type of evaluation enables the clinician to evaluate the feet
and limbs of each foal in a thorough consistent systematic
manner.
Watching the foal in motion can be challenging as they
seldom walk in a straight line. This can be remedied by
walking the mare next to a solid structure and letting the foal
walk on the opposite side of the mare or follow the mare. The
foal is observed as it walks towards and away from the
examiner. The foal is evaluated for any lameness that may
be present, the pattern of the limb flight, how the foot breaks
over at the toe and how the foot contacts the ground. The
author likes to see the foal land flat on its foot rather than an
asymmetrical or toe first landing. It should also be noted
whether the foal has a base narrow, normal or base wide
stance during locomotion. A flight pattern towards the mid
line or base narrow distal to the fetlock is generally indicative
of fetlock varus or toe-in conformation of the foot (Hunt and
Baker 2017). With this conformation, the foal’s foot will
contact the ground with the lateral aspect of the heel and
breakover at the lateral wall of the toe. Foals that have
straight axial alignment of the limb, but an offset carpus
(defined as Mclll being offset to the lateral side and not
following a straight line from the radius) will often exacerbate
this finding as it will place more weight bearing on the medial
physis of distal Mclll (Hunt and Baker 2017). Valgus deviations
and rotational deviations are common and the limb will have
a flight pattern that accompanies the deviation. Foals with
carpal valgus conformation walk with an inward sweeping
pattern with a tendency to land and lift off the medial wall of
the foot. Outward rotational deformities tend to move or
displace the carpus laterally and, on landing, the foal will
contact the ground with the lateral wall and then load the
medial side of the hoof generally displacing the heel bulb.
 |
|
Fig 1: Peroplic membrane. Note the attachment just below the
hairline that forms the sub coronary groove.
|
|
 |
|
Fig 2: a) Sub coronary sulcus in a 10-day-old foal. b) Note the
increased toe length in a 2-month-old foal as the sub coronary
groove grows distally causing leverage. c) Flare removed and
leverage reduced.
|
|
 |
|
Fig 3: The width is wider at the coronet than at the ground
surface of the foot in this 6-week-old foal. Also note the pointed
toe. |
Trimming the foal
Birth to one month
At birth, the foal’s hoof is enveloped in a gelatinous perioplic
membrane (eponychium) which reduces the risk of trauma to
the mare’s reproductive tract during gestation and parturition
(Fig 1). Shortly after birth, with the first steps of life, the
perioplic membrane on the solar surface of the foot wears,
dehydrates and retracts proximally on the hoof wall and
ultimately creates a sulcus of varying depths just distal to the
coronet the coronary band (Fig 2a and b). This depression,
termed the sub-coronary groove, is considered normal and
grows distally towards the ground. In lay terms it is often
referred to as a ‘milk’ foot as it appears at birth and
generally has grown out over the next 4–6 months by
weaning. It has the potential to cause a defect or separation
in the sole wall junction (white line) when it approaches the
ground surface of the foot if the toe length is allowed to
grow excessively long. The remnants of the sub-coronary
groove create leverage at the toe if not trimmed
appropriately and this force is responsible for a bending in
the dorsal hoof wall or separation at the sole wall junction in
the toe. The foal’s foot at this time is generally tapered, being
wider at the coronet and becoming narrower distally at the
ground surface (Fig 3). A foal`s foot does not only grow in a
distal direction, but it also expands as it develops. As the
foal’s feet are tapered, expansion occurs proximally and as
the ground surface of the distal hoof is relatively small, the
weight-bearing area is positioned in the dorsal section of the
foot. Exercise and appropriate trimming will enlarge the area
on the ground surface of the foot and move it in a palmar/
plantar direction. The pointed or tapered appearance will
gradually disappear in the first few months of life with
appropriate trimming. In foals with acceptable limb
conformation there is little need for trimming during the first
month of life.
One month
Foals should be presented to the farrier at one month of age
for trimming. Prior to the first trimming, basic limb and foot
manipulations by trained farm personnel should have the foal
accustomed to the positioning used by the farrier. Trimming
should be a pleasant experience for the foal and will act as
a form of imprinting if started in a gentle manner from the
beginning. The farrier should be patient, perform the farriery
gently and efficiently and not fight the foal. An experienced
handler that is gentle but firm is essential. The use of a nose
twitch or chemical restraint should be discouraged. If restraint
is necessary, the author will use a piece of bailing twine that
is threaded through the rings of the halter and placed under
the upper lip of the foal. Mild pressure or gentle tugs (never
harsh) are applied to the string if necessary while the
trimming is taking place. Generally, it is only necessary to use
this method during the initial trimming session. The foal is
always trimmed in a stall placed alongside the mare that is
positioned against the wall and backed into a corner. The
outer side of the foal is trimmed; then the positioning of the
mare is reversed, and the other side of the foal is trimmed.
All that is generally necessary at 1 month of age is to
square the toe of the hoof with a rasp to remove the
tapered or pointed contour of the dorsal distal hoof wall
perimeter and encourage the foal to break over in the
centre of the foot. At this age, due to the pointed toe, the
foal may break over to either the outside or inside of the toe
(Fig 3). If the frog has receded below the level of the hoof
wall, the heels should be rasped lightly using the smooth side
of the rasp until the hoof wall and the frog are on the same
plane. Any sharp edges are removed from the perimeter of
the hoof capsule using the rasp at an angle. As will be
discussed below, the use of a hoof knife or hoof nippers is
discouraged when trimming foals at any age.
Two months onward
During these first few months of life, attention should be
directed towards the structural integrity of the hoof capsule
(foot mass/density) rather than to cosmetics. The important
concerns are to promote the growth of a thick, durable hoof
wall, to ensure maximum sole thickness in order to protect the
vulnerable sole wall junction, the soft tissue structure and
developing distal phalanx and finally to develop the
structures in the palmar/plantar section of the foot. Promoting
the structural mass of the foot in a foal (defined as a strong
hoof wall, adequate sole depth and a solid heel base) is vital
for hoof capsule development and future soundness. It is the
author’s opinion that a hoof pick, wire brush and a rasp are
the only tools necessary to trim foals that are kept on a
month to 5 weeks trimming schedule. Furthermore, if the foal
has adequate exercise combined with a consistent trimming
schedule, there is generally minimal hoof growth which
makes the use of a hoof knife and hoof nippers unnecessary.
The goal is to not have the foal walk exclusively on the hoof
wall but rather load all the structures on the solar surface of
the foot; having the foot ‘load-sharing’ causes stimulation,
adaptation and promotes growth. Foals that are trimmed
frequently and have a lot of horn removed tend to develop
weak fragile hoof capsules (O’Grady 2017).
The recommended technique of trimming foals used by
the author may differ from traditional farriery (O’Grady 2008,
2017). Dirt and debris are removed from the sole and sulci of
the frog using a hoof pick. The solar surface of the foot is
then cleaned vigorously using a wire brush to remove any
loose exfoliating horn. Any loose or exfoliating tags of horn
are removed from the frog with a hoof knife if necessary.
Otherwise, the ground surface of the foot and the frog are
left untouched which affords the foal ample protection on
the ground surface of the foot. Exfoliating horn from the sole
will be continuously shed through the abrasive friction with
the ground as the foal exercises. The sole of a foal is relatively
thin (which can be demonstrated by showing deformation
when using thumb pressure or small hoof testers is applied to
the sole) and needs to develop as much thickness as possible
in order to protect the immature developing structures within
the capsule. Removing excess sole with a hoof knife appears
to be the primary cause of sole bruising in foals and may
potentially lead to flexural deformities because of the pain
response (Hunt 2011; O’Grady 2012). The health of the foot
throughout the animal’s life is based on developing good
solid heel structures. The heel base includes the hoof wall at
the heel, the bars, angle of the sole, a thick digital cushion
and a wide healthy frog. The bars should not be removed as
they are needed for strength and to stabilise the palmar
section of the hoof capsule.
 |
|
Fig 4: a) Rasp being used on a 90-degree angle to trim hoof
wall. b) Rasp used in a horizontal direction to create a rounded
perimeter.
|
|
 |
|
Fig 5: a) Heels trimmed to base of frog and rasp being used at a
90° angle. b) A line drawn across the widest part of the foot
divides it into approximate proportions.
|
|
After cleaning the foot, the heels of the hoof capsule are
rasped gently from side to side until the rasp just contacts the
frog. The hoof wall at the heels will now be on the same
horizontal plane with the frog and the heels of the hoof
capsule will generally extend to the widest part of the frog.
When the heels are trimmed in this manner, the frog will
function as an expansion joint to keep the heels wide apart
and share some of the weight bearing function. The excess
hoof wall at the toe and quarters is then reduced as
necessary using a rasp placed at a 90° angle just dorsal to
the sole wall junction (white line) at the inner part of the
stratum medium of the hoof wall (Fig 4a). When the desired
amount of hoof wall is removed, the outer sharp edge
around the perimeter of the foot that is formed by the
angulation of the rasp is removed by running smooth side of
the rasp around the perimeter of the hoof in a horizontal
direction thus creating a rounded edge (Fig 4b). This round
edge will help to prevent cracks and chips in the hoof wall.
As the foal grows and develops, the foot assumes the same
growth pattern as the adult horse which follows the
angulation of the horn tubules in the hoof capsule; i.e. the
heels and toe grow forward relative to the centre of rotation.
Therefore, the same guidelines for trimming can be applied
to the juvenile horse; using the widest part of the foot,
trimming the heels to the base of the frog and creating
approximate proportions on either side of a line visualised
across the widest part off the foot (O’Grady 2008, 2009,
2017). There is a tendency not to trim the heels appropriately
in a foal and the author believes this practice detracts from
the proper development of the palmar section of the foot
(Fig 5a and b). The farrier should abandon the concept of
lowering the heels in the foal and perhaps consider the
notion of increasing the ground surface. The method of using
the rasp on an angle leaves the hoof wall and the adjacent
sole on the same plane allowing both structures to share the
bulk of the weight when the animal moves. It also appears to
stimulate the horn to grow thicker and stronger (O’Grady
2008, 2017).
Foals given sufficient exercise do not grow an excessive
amount of hoof wall in the first few months of life and our
ability to influence the foot/limb by excessive trimming on
one side of the foot in the horizontal plane is limited and
should be discouraged. If it becomes necessary to lower one
side of the foot past the point of being level due to a
developing hoof capsule distortion or in an attempt to affect
landing, it should not be lowered any more than few
millimetres at one time. Trimming the foot at 2-week intervals
may be useful when trying to change the medial lateral
orientation of the foot or when trying to increase the ground
surface on one side of the foot.
The traditional theory of lowering the lateral side of the
foot on a foal that stands toed-out or lowering the medial
side of the foot on a toed-in foal is unrealistic. In fact, it may
be detrimental as the cause of the foal having a toe-in or
toe-out stance generally reflects the conformation of the limb
and is rarely limited to the foot (Hunt and Baker 2017). A
deviation is generally found in the axial alignment of the limb
above the foot such as a rotational deformity of the limb
distal to the carpus or the fetlock; therefore, when one side
of the foot is trimmed excessively, the cosmetic appearance
may be improved temporarily but over time this practice will
lead to distortion of the hoof capsule (compressed growth
rings and the hoof wall rolling axially on the lowered side)
resulting from an unequal load on the foot. This practice will
also place excessive and unequal forces on the physes and
joint on the side that is being trimmed excessively. The effects
of over trimming can be observed radiographically a few
days after the trim (Hunt and Baker 2017; O’Grady 2017).
Rotational deformities are very common in foals and
should not be considered abnormal. For example, a narrow
chest coupled with short neck and relatively long forelimbs
will cause many foals to adopt a base-wide stance in front in
order to graze comfortably which will often be accompanied
by outward rotation of the entire limb. When viewed from
the frontal plane, the entire limb will be rotated outwards,
but the axial alignment of the limb will be relatively straight
(Fig 6). This stance can be considered normal in foals as it
confers a higher degree of stability and is gradually modified
as the transverse diameters of the upper body increase with
growth. As the foal moves, it is quite noticeable that the
lateral side of the hoof wall strikes the ground initially
because of the flight pattern caused by the rotated position
of the limb. These foals should be trimmed flat or level and
not have their feet lowered on the outside wall which is the
traditional practice. A base-wide stance in a 3- to 4-monthold foal will often result in asymmetric hoof capsules noted in
the frontal plane. The medial side of the hoof capsule will be
slightly lower than the lateral aspect due to the landing
pattern of the foot. If this stance is not recognised as
physiological for the age and an attempt is made to
‘correct’ it by lowering the lateral wall, there may be a risk of
creating an angular limb deformity where none existed
previously. In cases where the medial heel bulb has been
displaced proximally because of the asymmetrical landing
pattern, although it may seem counterintuitive, the medial
hoof wall is trimmed slightly more than the lateral side to
create additional ground surface under the medial wall. If
the medial hoof wall begins to roll under axially, the author
has seen improvement by placing a small composite
extension on the outer hoof wall that is used to create
additional ground surface and address this hoof capsule
distortion. Therapeutic trimming does not offer favourable
results in the mal-positioned limb, as this deformity is
corrected through growth. As the musculature of the chest
increases, the chest widens and the elbows are pushed
outward, which rotates the limbs inward.
 |
|
Fig 6: Rotational deformity. Note the narrow chest, carpi rotated
laterally, base wide stance and medial hoof wall beginning to roll
axially. |
|
 |
|
Fig 7: Flexor laxity of hind limbs in a 1-week-old foal. |
|
 |
|
Fig 8: a) Flexural laxity in a 3-day-old foal. b) Foot is traced on
plywood used to create heel extensions. c) Extension is taped on
foot.
|
|
 |
|
Fig 9: Commercial heel extension taped on the foo
|
|
Flexor tendon flaccidity
Excessive (flexor tendon) laxity in the newborn foal most
commonly affects the fetlocks of the hindlimbs whereas the
forelimbs generally involve the fetlocks and carpi; many foals
will improve spontaneously with good husbandry (as
described below) and no other treatment and will have a
good prognosis. This condition is often seen in premature,
dysmature or septic foals (Coleman and Whitfield-Cargile
2017). When seen in the forelimbs, there is a ‘bowed’
appearance to the limb when viewed from the side from a
laxity of the flexor apparatus of the entire limb. The carpus
and fetlock are hyperextended with the palmar surface of
the pastern and fetlock on or close to the ground. There may
be subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ)
associated with deep digital flexor tendon laxity allowing the
toe of the foot to elevate off the ground. In hindlimb laxity,
the DIPJ is almost always involved along with laxity noted in
the pastern and fetlock (Fig 7). Initial treatment is aimed at
protecting the soft tissues of the heels without over supporting
the fetlock which will further promote the laxity. This can be
accomplished by applying a self-adhesive pad (Equate®
Moleskin Padding) cut in the shape of the heel bulbs. The
condition tends to be self-limiting within a few days after birth
as the foal gains strength and is allowed moderate exercise.
However, the tendon laxity often persists and it is not
uncommon to see a foal that still has digital hyperextension
at 3–4 weeks of age. Treatment is sequential depending on
the severity of the tendon laxity and the initial response of the
foal to treatment. Therapy begins with controlled exercise
allowing the foal access to a small area with firm footing for
1 h, 1–2 times daily. If there is no response by the third day
post-partum, the author will place the foot on a small piece
of ¼ inch plywood and trace the foot leaving 2–3 cm of
extension beyond the heels. The plywood is attached to the
foot using a soft kling gauze to envelop the foot and then
securing the extension to the foot using 2-inch elastic tape
applied in a figure of 8 technique (Fig 8a,b and c). The
exercise schedule is continued and the bandages securing
the extensions are reset as necessary. The laxity will generally
resolve in 7–10 days and exercise can gradually be
increased. When presented with an older foal, even though
the toe is off the ground, the toe length of the hoof capsule
should be reduced vertically or from the outer hoof wall so
no leverage is applied to the toe when the ground surface of
the hoof capsule is weight bearing following the application
of an extension. The heels can be rasped gently from the
middle of the foot palmarly/plantarly to create additional
ground surface in that section of the foot; some form of a
palmar/plantar extension should then be applied which
extends approximately 3–4 cm beyond the bulbs of the heels
to relieve the biomechanical instability of the digit (Fig 9). A
cuff-type extension shoe is commercially available or a thin
aluminium plate can be fabricated as an extension shoe with
the aluminium bent at the toe to align with the dorsal hoof
wall to hold it in place. The author feels that either type of
extension shoe should be attached with the hoof enveloped
in gauze and attached with elastic tape applied in a figure
of 8 pattern rather than a composite if the foal is less than
3 weeks of age. This manner of attachment avoids excessive
heat being applied to the fragile hoof capsule when the
composite cures and the detrimental consequences that
may follow. Taping the extension in place also prevents
contracture of the hoof capsule which occurs at the heels
when an acrylic composite is used. Heel extensions should
extend beyond the heel bulbs or further; if not of sufficient
length, the extension will serve as a fulcrum and worsen the
subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint and
metatarsophalangeal joint. Regardless of the method of
application, the extensions should be changed at 7–10-day
intervals or sooner if indicated by the extension shifting.
Bandaging the limb is contraindicated as the counterpressure
will further weaken the flexor tendons and promote laxity
 |
|
Fig 10: a) Note the groove created between the coronet and the
hoof wall at the heels due to excessive loading of the bulbs. b)
shows the groove filled with acrylic which will redirect the force
from the ground to the coronet (Courtesy Hans Castelijns).
|
|
Care should be taken to maintain the condition of the
feet while the tendon laxity is being addressed and long-term
maintenance of the feet may be necessary. During
treatment, the heels become distorted and the hoof wall
growth is oriented dorsally which requires gradual re-shaping
once the tendon laxity is resolved. The heels of the hoof
capsule should be trimmed to the level of normal tubular
alignment if possible and the heels of the hoof capsule
should be on the same plane as the frog. If the foal had
been allowed to walk on the bulbs of the heels for an
extended period of time, there may be a demarcation or
groove between the coronet and the heels of the hoof
capsule (Fig 10a). The author has been successful improving
horn tubular growth and alignment by filling the groove with
an acrylic composite (Fig 10b). The toe length should be
trimmed or reduced as necessary. This process may require
3–4 months to accomplish but over time a normal foot should
and can be the result.
Conclusion
Routine hoof care in the first few months of life should never
be taken lightly. The importance of good farriery in the foal
plays a vital role in both the development of the hoof and
the conformation of the limb. Management of hoof capsules
and limbs during this juvenile period will often impact the
success of the foal as a sales yearling or mature sound
athlete. Foal trimming should always be based on good
basic farriery principles and the appropriate biomechanics.
Hoof care in the foal should always be a joint venture
between the veterinarian and the farrier. The importance of
maintaining a good veterinarian-farrier relationship should be
emphasised; the farrier is responsible for basic trimming with
veterinary oversight and if orthopaedic disorders develop, the
farrier will have significant input with therapeutic farriery. A
sound foot care programme is time-consuming whereas
assembly-line trimming is quick and easy, but the former is
much more beneficial with a better outcome. Flexural and
angular limb deformities in foals will be covered in part 2 of
this review.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Conflict of Interest
No conflicts of interest have been declared.
Declaration of Ethics
Not applicable.
REFERENCES
-
Adams, S.B. and Santschi, E.M. (2000) Management of congenital and
acquired flexural limb deformities. Proc. Am. Assoc. Equine
Practnrs. 46, 117-125.
-
Coleman, M.C. and Whitfield-Cargile, C. (2017) Routine orthopedic
conditions of the premature and dysmature foal. Vet. Clin. North
Am. Equine Pract. 33, 289-297.
-
Greet, T.R.C. and Curtis, S.J. (2003) Foot management in the foal and
weanling. Vet. Clin. North Am. Equine Pract. 19, 501-517.
-
Hunt, R.J. (2011) Flexural limb deformities in foals. In: Diagnosis and
Management of Lameness in the Horse, 2nd edn. Eds: M.W. Ross,
and S.J. Dyson. Elsevier, St. Louis. pp 645-649.
-
Hunt, R.J. and Baker, W.T. (2017) Routine orthopedic evaluation in
foals. Vet. Clin. North Am. Equine Pract. 33, 253-266.
-
O’Grady, S.E. (2008) Farriery for the young horse. In: Proc. Am. Assoc.
Equine Pract. – Focus Meeting. pp 49-58.
-
O’Grady, S.E. (2009) Guidelines for Trimming the Equine Foot: a review.
Proc. Am. Assoc. Equine Pract. 55, 218-225.
-
O’Grady, S.E. (2012) Flexural deformities of the distal interphalangeal
joint (clubfeet): a review. Equine Vet. Educ. 24, 260-268.
-
O’Grady, S.E. (2017) Routine trimming and therapeutic farriery in foals.
Vet. Clin. North Am. Equine Pract. 33, 267-288.
-
Santschi, E.M., Leslie, S.R., Morehead, J.P., Prichard, M.A., Clayton, M.K.
and Keuler, N.S. (2006) Carpal and fetlock conformation of the
juvenile thoroughbred from birth to yearling auction age. Equine
Vet. J. 38, 604-609.
