The fascinating case history outlined  in the May/June issue has generated considerable comment in letters and through the “Farriers Forum” on the American Farriers Journal Web site. Most readers have been amazed that Lily, the Miniature Mediterranean Donkey, could actually survive and continue to do well without a coffin bone.

The author of this fascinating case study, Esco Buff, a farrier from Webster, N.Y., says he’s heard from many AFJ readers about the donkey’s remarkable recovery.

“In July, it will be 2 years that Lily has been without a coffin bone,” says Buff. “She continues to be sound as if nothing has ever happened. Recent radiographs continue to show no coffin bone and no regeneration of bone. P2 continues to remain in place and has yet to descend (and hopefully will not) into the hoof capsule. The feet continue to be equal and normal in size for a miniature donkey with little distortion to the hoof capsule.”

This article also includes comments from an equine veterinarian and two farriers regarding the case of the missing coffin bone.

Hoof Capsule Vs. P2

I can’t for the life of me understand why the hoof capsule does not collapse without a coffin bone to help maintain structure and integrity. I’d have thought the capsule would have either totally splayed, flared out or contracted.

Why hasn’t P2 descended to ground level? Or why hasn’t the hoof capsule risen up around P2? The author speculates about “cornfield sole” helping to keep the bones from descending…