Navicular Treatment Failure

Hello Dr. Teskey-

I recently acquired a 6 yr old gelding as a rescue whom I was told had a shoulder injury from being a rope horse.  After bringing him home I learned through an extensive veterinary work up and X-Rays that he has navicular bursitis with bone loss.  He is very tender, especially in his right front foot.  I have a natural hoof care practitioner who has been working with him since March of this year.  He does not seem to be making much progress to this point, in fact this week seems slightly more sore and is walking with a noticeable head bob, which had started to become much less noticeable.  We have him in Easyboot Epics with Comfort Pads, but I am worried that he is not getting any better.  He is also getting Isoxsuprine and one bute tablet each day.  My farrier is wonderful and is trying everything she can and is even working with him for free as a case study.

Can you tell me if there is a time when you know that this method will not work?  I want what is best for this horse, he is beautiful and has an absolutely one of a kind gentle soul, however, I can hardly stand to see him continuing to live in pain.

I would appreciate your insight!!

Sincerely,
KJ

Dear KJ,

Most natural hoof care folks will tell you that at least one, and often times TWO years will pass as a horse gets steadily better.  If you think about how long it took for them to develop their deformed hooves, you can better understand that it will often take just as long to get them back to health. Sometimes longer (it's harder to fix something versus preventing it from getting broken in the first place).  You've only barely begun the process.

The isoxsuprine shouldn't be used.  It's been shown not to make any difference for a horse with hoof problems, and it can have toxic side effects.  Perhaps your veterinarian isn't aware of recent studies showing it doesn't help improve blood flow to the hooves. I would also discontinue the use of the Bute.  Again, it's been shown to actually inhibit healing and proper function in the hoof.

There are many other aspects to a successful hoof rehab program, such as nutrition, lifestyle (MOVEMENT), herd psychology.  There are many websites that are excellent in discussing these.  How the horse is trimmed is not the most important part of the program, so the actual trimmer is not the most important person involved.  In fact the trimmer should be out of a job if you provide enough of the other ingredients.

This may well be one of the hardest things you'll try to tackle regarding horses, but most times it's a hell of good learning process and satisfying in the end.

Dr. Tom T.

Comments

[Dawn Willoughby]

Dr. TT...Would you mind giving us specfics of the best studies on isoxoprine and also on bute. I would like to track the full studies down. You wouldn't believe how many horses are on both, especially those with laminitis or founder. Short of padded boots any other suggestions on controlling pain?

I was recently told by a professional that abscesses can actually lead to death. I assume high pain leading to colic? Until now I didn't think they were very serious. Again, your recommendations on managing pain?

When's your book coming out?

TX,
DEW

[Belstaff Leather Jacket]

Don't know what is wrong what is rite but i know that every one has there own point of view and same goes to this one