Q & A with The Vet

Follow Up On Hoof Injury

Hi Dr. Tom,

New vet is coming out to x-ray tomorrow (not sure how many views we will need??).  Most swelling is in lower pastern.  He puts weight on the toe for balance when he moves but is really working his hind end to take the weight off.  I did see him standing fairly square this noon time and resting one hind leg.  He took several naps in the sun.

Vet does not seem optimistic if he has fractured. I'm thinking a coffin bone I can work with, higher up fracture may be a different story (harder to immobilize and yet allow him to keep active.  Terrified of colic/laminitis in other hooves). Plumbing is working and he's drinking well, plenty of hay/grass available for him. We'll see tomorrow.

Thanks so much, and any additional info would be great.

Hi H,

You won't "need" any casting or special shoeing for a fracture.  On the contrary, it's even MORE important to keep the hoof unshod in a situation of a fracture, to allow at least a bit better circulation, and therefore healing, to take place. I've also rehabilitated fractures of the pastern and higher without any wraps or "special" shoes. The hoof capsule itself, even if it's damaged itself, will act as the best bandage and shoe for the horse.  Millions of years in the making made sure the horse could heal as fast as possible.  Without us adding more problems like casts and shoes, etc.

Take care,

Dr. TT

Need Help with Hoof Injury

Hi Dr. Tom,

I have a major issue on home front this afternoon… 11yo TB rehab, been bare 3+ years and doing great... building concavity… never been off.

Raced around today in a new paddock (we just moved) and found a 1" stump to land on with his right front, puncture/cracked sole just below seat of corn, cracked sole along bar and then 1" further toward toe callous.  No external damage.  Very concerned that he has broken the bar internally.

Dead lame, blood, the works.  He allowed me to take a little bit of bar, not much.  Soaked hoof, packed w/antiseptic, added foam pad/vetwrap and duct tape.  When he lays down again I'm slapping a boot/pad on the good hoof.  He's on bute/oral antibiotics. The vet I called in the area is not sure what to do.  Anyone who has had experience w/this type injury/treatment tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
H

Hi there,

Good wound care is all you need to do at this point.  Of course the boots with pads inside are a great idea, along with keeping the injured area clean.  The systemic antibiotics are likely not needed if you're able to keep the localized area clean.  An x-ray or other imaging might help determine if the coffin bone is intact.  Fractures can and do happen. Don't lock the horse up.  Keep them in the same area with their buddies, free to move about as they are willing and able.  Generally about a month will allow these injuries to heal up.  Left over lameness past this point may be indicative of a deeper problem.

Keep up the good nursing,

Dr. Tom T.