Dr.
Tom,
I
just read your response to a sidebone question. I have an 11 year old
warmblood with perfect feet, never had a shoe on him. He is out 12 to 14
hours every day of his life. Worked lightly as a dressage horse. Came up
lame and x-rays shows extensive sidebone. My vet described it as the most
she’s ever seen in 15 yrs. Her suggestion is to put shoes on him, your
article says not to shoe. I am so
confused. Any suggestions?
LB
Hi LB,
I'm curious, why would your veterinarian want to prescribe shoes for
sidebone? What exactly is the expected "therapy" going to be
from shoeing? She may also say it isn't completely curable, which is also
a misconception.
My guess is that your horse does not have "perfect feet”. Something in the past has contributed to the
formation of the extra bone. This is
usually repeated trauma and/or concussion and/or inadequate movement. I
realize there's lots of horses that don't get the kind of turn out time you
give your horse, but it's STILL not enough. Full time turnout is the only way to go to
maintain optimum health and attempt rehabilitation. Time spent more
confined leads to improper and repetitive movements which have
likely contributed to the sidebone/hoof problems.
My best suggestion would be to continue your research into natural hoof and
horse care. It'll be quite a wonderful
adventure in the end.
Dr. TT
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