Lameness Occurs The Most Of All Equine Medical Problems

According to federal researchers, lameness has the highest annual incident density of all medical problems in horses, DVM360 Magazine reports. Half of all horse operations with five or more horses have one or more cases of lameness annually. Another federal report estimates lameness incidence at 7.5% to 13.7% annually.

The principle that a veterinarian-farrier team is required to help horses maintain soundness, maximize performance and overcome lamenesses is undeniable. It is a balance of knowledge, skill and an understanding of the other member’s responsibilities, as well as your own. At the early December American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention, the coordination of these efforts was showcased in a podiatry workshop that called on veterinarians and farriers to discuss the management of a variety of equine foot conditions that hoof-care professionals commonly face. Among these subjects were presentations on the veterinary and farriery roles in addressing underrun heels.

As the elderly horse population grows, the horse community is trying to adopt conscientious methods to help make them more comfortable, and farriers are not exempt.

Tracy Turner says you need a properly trimmed and balanced hoof capsule before you ever think about what shoe to use.

When laminitis is a major concern and a damaged hoof wall is restricting blood flow to the laminae and resulting in further inflammation, Amy Rucker says it may be time for a hoof resection.