The first good look at a newborn foal is an anxious time as you see how the rolled dice have come up. Most of the time, the news is good — but even when nature has thrown a curve ball, there is still hope for a home run.

Lower limb deformities are one of the most common disappointments breeders experience. They range from barely perceptible to life threatening. Fortunately, recent innovation in both veterinary medicine and farrier science makes it easier to correct nature’s over sights.

Timing And Teamwork

Timing is as important as the treatment itself. Treatments that are used too soon, too late or that are left on for too long can produce results worse than the original pathology. Extreme care must be taken that none are too severe, causing pain and tissue damage. We’ll explore this more later.

Understand that, as a farrier, you are part of a team consisting of you, the attending vet and the caretaker. Everyone must be on the same page for success. Often, the farrier is the first to evaluate a new foal. When you see an abnormality, a big alarm should go off in your head. When it does, don’t try to be the Lone Ranger. Bring in the…