VIEW CART
SUBSCRIBEHoof and Foot Health
Advice needed on left front
Post At
05/ 6/2010 - 7:03 am
reply from
steve robinson
I ran into a mare yesterday that has a very bad left front hoof. Customer says vet termed as club hoof and nothing could be done for it? I was not allowed to take pictures and informed little money would be invested to help said mare. The mare is in pain and flenches every time weight is applied to the foot.
The hoof had heels that were around three inches overgrown, flattened out from carrying the weight. the toe and quarters are only around one and a half inches from the hair line. I am guessing stop right above the P3. Very rough edged and does not apear to be growing? Nothing but sole ahead of the P3 for the mare to put weight on.
As their is nothing to nail a shoe on too, what can a person do? I was thinking a cast or perhaps making a artifical toe and applying a glue on shoe? Anyone got a idea on information I have to provide? Besides a bullet for the mare or vet. I already thought of that.
The hoof had heels that were around three inches overgrown, flattened out from carrying the weight. the toe and quarters are only around one and a half inches from the hair line. I am guessing stop right above the P3. Very rough edged and does not apear to be growing? Nothing but sole ahead of the P3 for the mare to put weight on.
As their is nothing to nail a shoe on too, what can a person do? I was thinking a cast or perhaps making a artifical toe and applying a glue on shoe? Anyone got a idea on information I have to provide? Besides a bullet for the mare or vet. I already thought of that.
Reply at
05/ 6/2010 - 7:52 am
reply from
Dr. Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Hello Steve,
I would have to beg to differ with the opinion of the veterinarian. I find in most cases there is plenty that can be done for a steep or clubby foot. I would also refer you to my book written on Limb Length Disparities.
As far as shoeing goes, there are plenty of products to use when a shoe can not be nailed onto a foot - casting, glue on shoes, adhesive/acrylics, etc.
I think perhaps the biggest issue here is the owners statement of "little money will be spent to help the mare." I would get to the bottom of that statement. Do they mean they are frustrated and do not want to throw money to the wind, or do they really mean what they said. The first is understandable and may take a slower process to help the horse. The second is really stating they do not want to spend any money and perhaps want you to work harder fixing it than they want to pay you for. I would get this statement resolved in order for you to determine what direction to go in.
Blessings,
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
I would have to beg to differ with the opinion of the veterinarian. I find in most cases there is plenty that can be done for a steep or clubby foot. I would also refer you to my book written on Limb Length Disparities.
As far as shoeing goes, there are plenty of products to use when a shoe can not be nailed onto a foot - casting, glue on shoes, adhesive/acrylics, etc.
I think perhaps the biggest issue here is the owners statement of "little money will be spent to help the mare." I would get to the bottom of that statement. Do they mean they are frustrated and do not want to throw money to the wind, or do they really mean what they said. The first is understandable and may take a slower process to help the horse. The second is really stating they do not want to spend any money and perhaps want you to work harder fixing it than they want to pay you for. I would get this statement resolved in order for you to determine what direction to go in.
Blessings,
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Reply at
05/ 6/2010 - 9:38 pm
reply from
Derek Grimwood
Steve,
If the owner won't pay for xrays I doubt he would pay for casting or glue ons. I personally don't know the circumstances but this sounds business wise like one I would walk away from. If you have reasons why you want to stick this one out then good luck. I first would need to ask how old the mare is and if she has had this condition all of her life. If she has had this foot all of her life then I would definetely investigate limb length disparity. Either way you need to balance the foot using what reference points you have. You don't say anything about the other foot but I imagine it is a low heel long toe. This is an interesting case. Post some pretrim pictures and give us some more information. It's hard to imagine a mare with only 1 1/2 " of toe length unless it is a mini?
If the owner won't pay for xrays I doubt he would pay for casting or glue ons. I personally don't know the circumstances but this sounds business wise like one I would walk away from. If you have reasons why you want to stick this one out then good luck. I first would need to ask how old the mare is and if she has had this condition all of her life. If she has had this foot all of her life then I would definetely investigate limb length disparity. Either way you need to balance the foot using what reference points you have. You don't say anything about the other foot but I imagine it is a low heel long toe. This is an interesting case. Post some pretrim pictures and give us some more information. It's hard to imagine a mare with only 1 1/2 " of toe length unless it is a mini?
Users must log in to the AmericanFarriers.com Web site in order to start new forum threads or reply to existing forum threads.
