The addition of frog support or frog pressure has seen increased use as part of therapeutic shoeing prescriptions in recent years. While the terms “support” and “pressure” are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important differences.

While treating these situations with a shoe package is often successful, an unsuccessful outcome sometimes has more to do with the type and amount of support placed on the frog. Therefore, it is important that the farrier and veterinarian determine and communicate in very specific terms exactly what each foot needs. One person’s idea of what constitutes frog support may be another individual’s idea of frog pressure.

Support Or Pressure?

Frog support is most often prescribed as part of a shoeing treatment for contracted heels, underrun heels and other hoof pathologies. I often use frog support when treating negative/palmar/plantar angles of the coffin bone.

The frog is a great natural support structure. If healthy, it should be left as large as possible so normal shoeing can help it reach the ground.

A common reason for using frog support in my shoeing work is with the treatment of negative plantar/palmer angles of P3. If shod without some kind of passive support to hold the frog in place, these hooves often have prolapsed frogs. The condition tends to get worse over time if the shoe is thick or wedged and raises the frog far off the ground.

Can we assume that if a little support is good, then a lot must be better? Maybe not…