Dr. Teskey,
I recently read an article that you wrote about Navicular, and found it very
interesting.
I own an 11yr old Quarter Horse
that was diagnosed with Navicular in Feb. We put wedge shoes on him and he has
been completely sound for the past few months. I know that with wedge shoes they put more
pressure on the front of his foot. My concern is that it is eventually going to
cause more damage than good.
I have retired him from
showing, and moved him to a barn where he can be out in the pasture
all day. I wanted to see how he would do if we pulled his shoes, so I had them
pulled 2 days ago. The first day he had
a real hard time getting around. He
seems to be feeling a little better today though. I am hoping he keeps improving.
I am against having him nerved. I want to know if he is in a lot of pain, and
how fast he is declining. I have read so
many different articles, and they all say the same thing (put corrective
shoeing on them). I was just
thinking he might do better barefoot. I
was just wondering if you had any suggestions on how to keep him healthy,
happy, and sound?
Are there any supplements you could suggest?
Thank you,
N
Dear N,
You're on the right track. Funny how
the traditional "treatment" of navicular pain/lameness hasn't
changed, and yet all those horses never get better.
Check out Hoof Rehab, and do more
searches on the computer for navicular and barefoot trimming. You'll also
do a great favor to the horse by getting a couple of hoof boots and comfort
pads for those front feet. Visit EasyCare Inc. to learn more. The Old Mac G2 hoof boot they have work really well. You only need to use them intermittently/when
riding. Also, having someone experienced in natural hoof care is pretty
important. There is a list on the EasyCare
site and other sites where you can hopefully find someone close to you to help.
Keep your chin up,
Dr. TT
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