Should we shoe pony with laminitis?

Dr. Teskey,

 

We've owned a pony since November of last year and she has been bare foot since December.  The pony put her shoulder out a month ago and got laminitis.  The vet highly recommends shoes for our pony.  I would very much appreciate information on bare foot trimming for the laminitic pony.

I look forward to hearing from you.  Thank you.

Warm wishes.

Hi there,

 

Using a natural hoof care approach for your pony will not only work better to save her, it can return her to overall good health.  Using shoes for laminitis is fast becoming the wrong thing to do, and many farriers are beginning to see and admit this.

 

There are many good websites you can look at for information on trimming.  If you would like to send pictures of the hooves to me to look at and consult with you on, we can do that.  I can make marks on the pictures and give you an idea about how I would trim them.  It would be best to find someone in your area that is knowledgeable about the trimming.  Some of the websites have lists of trimmers.

 

Do a search on the computer for "barefoot trimming," "laminitis trimming," and see what you come up with.

 

Dr. Tom T.