Q & A with The Vet

Better Off Barefoot

The Natural Hoof Care Advantage

Natural horsemanship practices today go hand in hand with natural hoof care—together they are unbeatable!   

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If you have a question for Dr. Tom you can email him or post a comment here and he will respond as soon as he can.

Problem Feet

Hi Dr. Tom,

I have an 11 year old thoroughbred with more feet problems than I ever could have imagined. Currently we have hit a dead end because he has white line disease in a front and back foot which we have been chasing for 2 1/2 years now and it always comes back.  He also has navicular, moves on his toes and stumbles a lot at the walk.  He can no longer keep shoes on his feet, as there is not enough hoof wall to nail them to.  I have been looking into barefoot or natural trimming but I am scared to death to pull his shoes because he has very sensitive soles, has had beginning laminitis and is prone to quarter cracks.  I have been told boots are out of the question since we are going to have his
foot re-sectioned (re-scected, I'm not sure of the correct terminology) and it needs to be open to air. 

Our vet has been removing the pockets of white line disease.  Gelding is in a dry stall with a run, re-checked by the farrier every three weeks, and I clean the foot with miconosil spray daily.  Nothing works.  How can I get these shoes off him without devastating effects and how should he be trimmed?

I feel as if we are tampering with a time bomb.  Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Amy

Hi Amy,

 

Quite an adventure you have going there with this horse!  Problems going on for years like this indicate improper remedies having been applied for years.  I would immediately stop using any farrier or veterinarian who has seen this horse before, and find someone dedicated to natural hoof care who can not only tell you how to treat the white line disease (this is easy to remedy compared to your other problems), but also fix you up with hoof boots that can be taken OFF and ON, instead of having the steel shoes in place which have destroyed the horse's hooves up to this point.  Visit EasyCare to learn more.

After dealing with infection, and allowing more normal circulation and sensation to return, your horse will begin to grow a more normal, stronger hoof.  To expect complete recovery in a case like this is too optimistic, but "complete recovery" means many different things to different people depending on what they use their horses for.  (He's not likely to win the Derby, but could probably end up outdoing many horses on trail rides.) 

 

You have nothing to lose by trying to find someone willing to take you and this horse as clients in natural hoof care, as it would seem at this point the horse is, and has been for years, on a sure road to destruction.  Some horses don't recover from such problems, but only because of improper and/or ignorant hoof care, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle.

 

I would NOT allow any resectioning of the hoof to be done for any reason.

 

I WOULD continue your research into natural hoof care, as you are finally on the right track for your horse.  Starting on an adventure which will be educational and real, rather than continuing in the one which has been killing your horse up to this point.  Lots of horses are in the same boat... the more you learn, the more you'll have huge "blind flashes of the obvious" in the weeks and months to come.

 

Type "natural hoof care" in to any search engine on your computer, and start reading.  Find someone in your area to help.  You could also bring the horse to me here in Arizona, but not sure where you live (although I've had horses come to me from all over the USA).

 

Keep your chin up.

 

Dr. Tom T.

Horse Lameness

Dr. Teskey,

I am not a vet and I know you are a very busy doctor. I live in Atlanta and have an 11 year old TWH who has been lame off and on for a year. I have read a lot of your articles this week and have not been able to find a vet in the Athens, GA area that has your philosophy.  Although holistic medicine in conjunction with traditional medicine is making some in roads here. Two and a half years ago or so Zane was being trimmed in the "natural trim " paradigm. 

A year and three months ago he almost exploded {unlike his personality} and went lame. He was diagnosed at that time with moderate intermittent upward patellar fixation {R>L} and right femoropatellar synovitis. At that time the lameness specialist convinced me to apply 3/8 " flat rim pad to thoracic shoes to improve Zane's topline with Rockers on the pelvic shoes.

His condition in my opinion has deteriorated and is now chronic with regard to his stifles. The lameness specialist has stated the only thing that will "fix" him at this point is cutting his inside ligaments on the stifle joints.  Honestly, I am horrified by this assessment.  He will never again be able to rest while standing.  I currently changed from full board {stall} to paddock board 24/7 with both my TWH's and I can't imagine Zane would be relaxed enough to lie down and sleep much at night even with Mac, the sentinel, with him. 

Zane all the while has been getting hill-work, exercise, chiropractic sessions, massage therapy, hock injections with HA/steroid combo and had three acupuncture sessions. In the end he is tripping more, forges with each step and there seems to be a complete disconnect between his feet and legs and his brain. Pete Ramey has agreed to take over hoof trimming.  As for the stifle issue, am I being overly dramatic to think think of this procedure {cutting ligaments} as being too radical with negative "side effects"?

Exchanging one group of problems for another possible group {exhaustion, possible arthritis, anxiety} seems counter productive.  I've made mistakes with Zane and I sure would hate to make another one.  Do you have any articles about stifle problems and subsequent pelvic issues?  I am still searching the net.

Many regards and Admiration for your resolute philosophy, despite some fallout you may get from those not ready to contemplate a new way.

Looking for Answers, Renee


Hi Renee,

 

This patellar problem you're describing is most often due to poor conditioning/poor muscular tone and function in the upper hind limbs (quadriceps muscles especially).  Allowing the horse freedom of movement in a pasture situation and/or increasing conditioning exercise to strengthen these muscles (and the whole body) has been curative in every horse I've dealt with that had this problem.

 

The surgery is a temporary and wholly inadequate fix for these horses.  They develop arthritis and patellar (knee cap) fractures later on due to the instability in the joint caused by cutting this important tendon.

 

There could be a neurologic problem as you hint at.  If this is causing loss of muscle tone and development, I suspect you may be unable to get reasonable healing.

 

How fortunate for you to have Pete work with you on this horse.

Dr. Tom

Help with A Question

Hi Dr. Teskey,

This horse I'm trimming has had problems, (sore after trims, I was thinning wall too much), but now I am faced with another problem I hope you can explain to me (or my customer).

I have been trimming a draft cross (3 trims total) who had flares and long toes.  This young horse was in training to be sold as a trail/low level dressage horse.  It was sound with minor tripping problems behind.  Just days after my 3rd trim on him, (going almost to white line on toes behind) a pre-purchase vet check was done with 6 flexion tests.  Pulling the hind legs forward, the horse BECAME sore. (the horse protested by starting to kick).  The vet failed the check (said no x-rays needed) and blamed the soreness in the hind end (some where?) on too short/backed up toes (no club feet).  The foot is not sore, but he said the lack of traction because the toe was too short\backed up caused the hind end soreness.  The horse, in his eyes, was traveling short behind.  The horse then was shod by a farrier with an 1/8 inch toe extension, heel caulks, and front shoes.

I am not asking you to agree or disagree with this vet, I just need to know if this is possible and sounds correct.  I can not see if the horse is sore behind, how making break over of the toe harder and sticking the heels to the ground with caulks helps.  I feel this vet is use to seeing long toes, creating a bigger stride. I think this horse must be sore to react to the vet check as he did, but the cause I feel is not from traction/short hind toes.  Am I incorrect  in my thinking?

Thank you for your valuable time to us out here who believe natural trimming is best.

P

 

Hi P,

 

The horse was still transitioning (in so many ways) and trying to get better.  All bets are off if the horse has been now trimmed and shod.  Your previous work is destroyed, and the horse is back to having to deal with all that's bad about shoeing.

 

For the vet to say the feet were definitely the cause of other problems is irresponsible unless they isolated the lameness using anesthetic, acupuncture, imaging, etc.  Of course horses have muscle and joint issues very commonly from poor hooves.  Feet aren't the only problems horses face, though they certainly play an important role in keeping and/or maintaining a horse's soundness.  Flexion tests stress joints, not hooves in general.  To me, it doesn't really matter.  The horse obviously has numerous issues to work out- hooves, legs, body, joints.  It all takes time, and the people surrounding the horse (other than you), aren't willing to give it time to work things out.

 

I'm suspicious the horse was subtly laminitic from your description of its gait and of course if it's now shod, it's on a highway to hell more than ever.  Nutritional issues are critical, as well as housing/movement.

 

I wouldn't keep the horse or these people as clients.  They are not dedicated and haven't educated themselves well enough yet.

 

Dr. TT

Lameness Issue

Hi Dr. Tom,

 

I pulled the shoes off my mare in March of '06.  She is currently 10 years old.  She foaled in May of '06 (from what I understand this was her 3rd foal).  In October of that year she had horrible abscesses in both her front feet.  She healed well and I rode her last winter and spring.  She has been laid up over the summer (I can't handle our AZ summers so I don't ride during those months).  Anyway, I was hoping to ride her this weekend but on Wednesday she looked as if she was favoring her left front foot some.  I checked and didn't see anything (rock, nail, bruising)- I pick her feet out daily.  On Thursday she seemed a little better, but Friday morning she was not wanting to put weight on either front foot and is standing like a horse with laminitis.  This morning I cleaned out her feet, which was no easy task as she didn't want to put weight on the opposite foot, and I put her boots on with pad inserts.  She still doesn't want to walk at all.  She is turned out 24/7 with my 3 year old gelding.  They eat Bermuda Blend pellets three times daily.  They get no grain and there is no grass growing in their turnout area.  They have water and salt free choice.  I supplement the mare over the summer months with One A/C as her first year here she appeared to suffer with anhidrosis.  I supplement year long with Source.  I worm with ivermectin every 3 months and occasionally with Safeguard.  They receive 'barefoot' trims every 4 weeks.  I am at a loss.  It hasn't escaped my notice that this bout of lameness is occurring almost exactly a year from the last.  Should I get a veterinarian involved at this point, or wait till the trimmer sees her for her regular trim? 

 

Sue

 

Hi Sue,

 

I agree with your idea that she is in a laminitic condition.

 

You need to assess everything concerning her management again- diet, environment, stresses, and you also should have her metabolic and hormonal status checked (veterinary help in checking blood-work, hormone level, especially cortisol and insulin).  Anhidrosis is also a serious issue depending on where you live.  Her hooves are probably not in very healthy condition since she hasn't been able to fend off this situation, so something needs to change with her management to get her tougher.  This almost always involves improving environment to allow for more movement.

 

Of course utilize hoof boots and comfort pads and move her as much as she is able.  Do your best to get to the bottom of the issues that might be to blame.

 

Your trimmer can give some good advice as well in all likelihood.

 

Dr. TT

Cancel the Surgery for My Very Navicular Horse

Dear Dr. Teskey,

My name is Mona Elston and I am ready to have my horse nerved this Tuesday.  After a year of “corrective” or “therapeutic” shoeing, my horse is still lame.  The thought of nerving him makes me sick to my stomach (especially after I read your article “Bringing the Sparkle Back in Crystal’s Life”.  My reason for nerving him is to get him out of pain and give him some quality of life– I have another horse I can ride.  I am just tired of seeing him in pain.  I bought him when he was 5 ½, he is now 7 and he was lame 30 days after I bought him.  I suspect they gave him a “30 day” injection in the bursa before they dumped him because the x-rays showed that the navicular disease had been there for some time.  I don’t have horse property so I have to board him so I am trying to do the best that I can do for him.  Is there any way I can call you for a phone consultation and if so, what is your fee?  I am at my wit’s end. 

Thank you.

M

Hi M,

There's an awful lot of information out there for you to read and explore.  As you've discovered, the surgery is simply a "cover up" for your horse's real problems.  You'll need to find someone in your area that is familiar with natural hoof care and can help you with getting some hoof boots.  Or, you can simply get some boots yourself as a very good start.  By exercising your horse in boots with the metal shoes pulled off, you may very well notice improvement immediately.  Visit EasyCare's website  to look at the various boots available.  Either the "Epic" boots or the "Old Mac" boots would likely work well for you.  Read Pete Ramey's website if you haven't already, as well as continue to do computer searches and find other sites that have good information.  Many sites have lists of trimmers by region.  Do a search for "natural hoof care trimmer" to find some of these- Click here is a to see a good one.

 

You're on the right track.  Keep up your research.  Get some boots BEFORE pulling the shoes- then get the horse's shoes pulled off. Do NOT have the horse trimmed at this time.  Walk/ride your horse with the boots on and you'll likely notice improvement very quickly, as metal shoes are not only painful for a horse but PREVENT healing instead of helping like many professionals will tell you.

 

Take care,

Dr. Tom T.

 

Dr. Teskey,

Thank you very very much.  I have canceled the nerving and I will try pulling Ziggy’s shoes and putting on the Old Macs and find a certified barefoot trimmer.  It can’t do any more harm and if nothing else, I am hoping it will help.  Nerving is definitely not the answer. 

Thank God I found your website and learned more about the nerving procedure.  It sounds like I dodged a bullet.

Thank you for your time,

M

Good for you, Mona.  I believe you'll have good success, and learn some very cool things over the next few months.  Knowledge is empowering and you and your horses will be better for it.

Dr. T

Could you advise on my horse, Joe?

Hi Dr. T,

 

Long time no chat. I would like to run an interesting horse by you.

 

Joe is a 6 year old QH paint from out west.  He was shod for the last 7 months, here in SE Pennsylvania.  During the spring, he was slightly off, first on RF, then LF.  He took the summer off. Body worker recommended he go barefoot.  I trimmed him today for the 3rd time.  Although his foot is round, concavity forming nicely, nice frogs, great horn quality, his toes are long and his heels are under-run.  He wears Old Mac's G2 hoof boots with half inch Comfort Pads.

 

Lifestyle: Turned out for the day time and in at night, "the winter schedule", with a small herd in a nice sized pasture.  Food is fine. Owner does Parelli on ground and riding about 5 days per week. They have a soft arena and cross county.  I am not sure owner can talk barn manager into leaving him out at night with a friend, but that would be my recommendation.  He is a bit chubby but not laminitc.

 

He was diagnosed with Lyme disease (apparent in most of our horses) but because of his lameness issues is being treated with an antibiotic.  Owner is supplementing with a pro-biotic.

 

Today, I trimmed him and he is off on the soft arena and firm grass.  The vet was visiting and called him foot sore. (I don't agree.  To me foot sore horses can walk in soft terrain but not on gravel and rocks)  The vet wants to shoe him then block him to see where the problem lies.  She thinks shoes will take the "foot sore" variable out of the mix.

 

He is 99% sound with padded boots.  The vet said it's barely perceptible.  I forget your rating system but the number where only a professional will notice it.

 

So my common sense tells me that the long toes and under run heels may have taken their toll on his tendons and joints during his 6 years.  I would recommend as much sound movement as possible, avoiding whatever bothers him, like small circles.  Given his age, I would expect him to work thru this period.  He is trimmed every 4 weeks.  I do Pete Ramey's trim but leave the walls just a nick over the sole, not an eighth of an inch.

 

Your comments are most welcome and don't worry about contradicting my "common sense".  I am a lifelong student.

 

Thanks, as always for all your help.

 

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

As you are likely aware, horses recently out of shoes like this can have multiple issues.  You're still in that real touchy time- we underestimate how many changes are occurring in horses like this.  You mention seeing some concavity developing, but this is not likely the case.  It is concavity that is already there.  It may disappear with coming out of shoes and the capsules collapsing, especially with some laminitis.  I think you are correct in thinking it is a problem.  I don't think we can expect to see honest, new concavity developing in laminitic cases until the walls are nearly grown out.  Often times you'll maintain concavity and never lose it if laminitis is kept at bay.

If your horn quality is as good as you say coming out of shoes, it should be phenomenal next year.

Wonder what the Lyme is doing/has done to his connective tissue/metabolism/soundness?

Certainly the long toe/low heel adds some fierce stresses to the legs and joints.  Your plan sounds prudent- as much sound movement as possible will heal the horse to the best of his ability.  Well, not quite that good with the stalling at night, but pretty good.

See how it goes.  Horses need at least one to two years to fully recover from the negative effects of shoeing, so long term planning is always a good bet.

Dr. Tom

Nerving

Dr. Tom,

I just read your article about "nerving" and had a few questions.  I have a 6 year old cutting horse that was highly successful.  He was shod every 6 weeks faithfully and had great care.  Last year he seemed a little off but not real noticeable.  He did have some heel pain in one foot, none in the other.  After many x-rays, and lameness exams it was found that the nervicular bursa had been torn.  I think this happened at a cutting in too deep of sand.  My vet said it had healed but there was no way to tell how involved it was.  He recommended nerving him, because he said the damage had been done and healed.  He only had the very slightest of a limp.  I would like to know your opinion.  I don't want to do more damage to him, if his career is over, I can accept that.

Thanks!  Robin

Hi Robin,

 

Scarring in this area can cause mechanical as well as painful interference with the horse's gait.  Since we currently do not have an effective way to remove scar tissue from these previously injured areas, many of these horses have a permanent "hitch" with the way they travel.  I have had the best results getting optimum hoof form and function in these horses, which takes much of the pressure off their injured/scarred areas.

 

Dr. TT

Interference of hooves--from a trimmer

Dear Dr. Tom,

I am trimming a 6 year old paint that had horribly run under heels in shoes when I got him 4 months ago.  He has been completely sound through the process and his feet are looking better, but every once in a while he still scrapes his front heel bulb with his back hoof.  I trim every three weeks instead of four because I'm a little timid.  His concavity has gotten much much better and his heels are backing up, but they are very short.  His front angles are up to 50 degrees now and his back are just a couple degrees higher.

This doesn't happen often, but boy does it look like it hurts!  He scrapes the skin off his heel bulb!  Is there something obvious I am missing from my trim?  Do you have any suggestions on how to correct this?

Thank you for your help!

Holly

Holly,

 

My biggest suspicion would be the toes are too long (perhaps on all four feet).  If they're too long up front, sometimes the horse doesn't get the hoof off the ground quick enough to escape injury from behind, and if they're too long behind, they can reach forward and grab the heel of the fore.  Of course being long behind can also delay breakover behind.  There's probably as many interference injuries caused by inadequate body/muscle conditioning as well.  There's some horses with nerve problems that don't control their limbs appropriately, causing themselves injury.

 

Dealing with underrun heels, one of the most successful trimming techniques involves shortening toes (from the front aspect of course).  So perhaps you can deal with both these issues simultaneously?

 

Dr. TT

Handling While Trimming

Hi,

My name is Jess and I have read a recent article on what you advise horse owners who are dealing with navicular to do for trimming.  I have a beautiful black 8 yr old quarter horse mare who is experiencing pain in her front feet, and I am so frustrated.  I feel so bad for my horse.  I got her back in May.  After speaking to the original owner he pretty much told me over the 8 yrs he's had her he didn't do too much with her feet, but somehow before I got her and after she left this original owner acquired a tendon injury right above her left from knee.  She has had a lot of changes in the last 8 months- moved 3 times, separated from her mother, her herd she was with for the past 8 yrs. She was already favoring her left leg when I got her and somewhat stiff in the front.  The Vet says it's not founder, not a bad knee because we took xrays, but range of motion on the left side isn't normal due to the injury.  I suspect this injury brought on what the vet feels is navicular symptoms due to compensating for the injury.  She did not get vet care for the tendon injury when it occurred. The advice I got from this vet was to put corrective shoeing because he suspects navicular, but I'm a naturalist and it makes no sense to put more trauma on  feet that are already painful.  My farrier is coming out this Friday, he's been in the business 20 yrs and he's really good and patient. I would like him to try the wild horse trimming technique which makes more sense. He did a good job last time. He says her feet look good and did not see any abscesses the last trimming. Of course my other horse experienced quite a bit of discomfort in the trimming process last time because of her pain.  Is there a suggestion that can help relieve some of this pain while trimming at this point.  It took an 1 1/2 last time the Farrier trimmed her.  She gave her back feet just fine, but it was obvious the front feet hurt her.  Would you recommend a sedative, we used the twitch of couple of times, but I hate knowing she is in pain while doing this.

Thanks,

Jess

 

Hi Jess,

 

Trimming should not take more than 30-40 minutes.  If it's taking longer, stop for the day and do the other hooves another day.  Trimming should NOT make the horse more sensitive.  If it does, TOO MUCH hoof was trimmed off all at once.  Go slower with the trimming and don't trim the soles with the hoof knife at all (the soles should be trimming themselves as the horse walks/moves around between trimming sessions).

 

Hoof boots with inserted Comfort Pads are needed to get the horse moving and provide comfort during this time.  Visit the EasyCare website to learn more.  Putting a boot on the opposite hoof while the other is being trimmed works well to give comfort, or standing on some carpet or other soft dirt/etc.

 

I do not sedate horses to trim them.  Again, if a horse is too painful to stand to be trimmed, use pads and/or wait until the horse is not as sore.  Rarely is it necessary to trim a horse lying down or to use drugs.  This all varies with trimmer experience, of course.

 

Twitching is not a good idea either.  Trimming should be a time to bond with your horse, not a time to cause them more pain.  If you do a search for "hoof trimming natural handling" you'll find lots of good links.

Also, get the book by Pete Ramey titled "Making Natural Hoofcare Work for You"...and keep reading all the sites on the internet about trimming...

 

Take care,

 

Dr. TT

Hoof Trimming

Hi Dr. Teskey,

I have a twelve year old quarter horse 16.2hh.  I bought this horse when he was seven months old.  A month after I bought him he fractured his coffin bone in his right front foot.  After about a year of stall rest I began hand walking him.  He recovered fully.

My Vet at the time suggested because he had suffered from a fractured coffin bone to keep shoes on his front feet.

Well I’ve done that his whole life. I really, really want to go barefoot BUT I’m afraid he will fracture his coffin bone again.  We all know at 12yrs of age he wouldn’t recover like he did when he was only eight months old.  I’m “afraid” to take the shoes off.

I don’t know where to find a good bare foot farrier that can help me?  What do you think?

I ride only for pleasure- mostly weekend about two hours per day.  His paddock is flat and free from rocks.  He is kept outside 24/7 with excellent shelter free choice hay and water.  He’s on a mineral supplement with beat pulp.  He is in excellent health.

It is getting harder to keep the shoes on.  I want to do what’s best for my horse.

Mary

Hi Mary,

 

Whether your horse is fully recovered from the fracture or not, there wouldn't be any reason to think he won't eventually do perfectly fine without shoes.  In fact, horses with coffin bone fractures heal faster without shoeing them.  There is no good reason to shoe a horse that has suffered a coffin bone fracture for lots of reasons.

 

Take care,

 

Dr. TT

Surgical Arthrodesis and Natural Hoof Care

Dear Dr. Teskey:

I believe I have an interesting case, and wondered if you could answer some questions for me.

SURGICAL FUSION AND RINGBONE.  This past May, a vet school performed arthrodesis on my upper level dressage gelding for high ringbone.  Prior to having the surgery, it was clear that he would not be sound without the surgery, so I felt I had no choice except to go ahead with the fusion.  He now has a plate and 6 screws placed in his pastern.  Up until the time he came up lame, he had been shod regularly.

Up until recently, I was comforted by studies that I found online, and by the confidence of the ortho surgeon at the school that horses that are fused have a high % chance of returning to the level of work they were at prior to the injury.  These papers reported that the pastern is a low motion joint, with little to no movement, so fusion would not affect the gait, so I felt sure that my horse's beautiful movement would not be affected by fusing that joint.  That was the least of my concerns -- it was surviving the surgery, the cast and getting through post surgical recovery and stall rest without further injury.  Which did!  My horse has an incredible and strong spirit and was the world's best patient!  My concern is this:

1. I am trying to recover his foot and am dedicated to the idea of staying barefoot.  I believe that the ringbone that exists in the other leg (though minor) would only be accelerated by putting restrictive metal on his feet.
2. I am trying to rehab the horse physically from the surgery at the same time I am trying to grow a normal foot on him.  Heʼs foot sore from crossing the gravel, crushed stone driveway to go out to his paddock and he is obviously heel sore from having his heels lowered to get contact with the ground.
3. When we fitted him with Old Macʼs last night, he was markedly improved when we put comfort pads in the boots with the frogs cut out.  However, he looks like he has a bucket on the end of each foot and Iʼm worried about the effect that more than 1 pound on the end of each leg is going to have on the arthrodesis.

My additional concern is about return to movement:

I spoke to the surgeon about my concerns, and he once again assured me that my horse is going to have his full range of movement and be as good as he was prior to the lameness.  He said that it is too early to expect him to be moving well; to expect periodic lameness, that there is a lot of soft tissue inflammation which will cause him to be a bit choppy, and not show suspension.  That naturally he is being guarded with himself because of the insult to his limb.  My vet feels that there is every reason to feel confident that my horse will return to his former capabilities; that he in fact is way ahead in his recovery than most horses would be.  (This horse is tough btw).  Now while I do see daily improvement with respect to strength and balance - still, when I ride those few steps of trot, I think OH MY GOD, this isn't the same horse.

My question is:  If that joint is fused, can a horse regain his suspension and thrust off the ground, his spring?  Can I hope for a return to dressage training?  This horse was a fabulous and flamboyant mover and I'd only imported him a couple of years ago.  He really has made incredible strides in his recovery and the surgeon is VERY optimistic.  But as I said, these recent reports have me alarmed that, although I think he'll be sound, he won't have the impulsion and suspension he had before the fusion.

Can you give me your thoughts on arthrodesis and loss of movement in that joint - how will that affect a good moving dressage horse? Can you give me your thoughts on the road Iʼm traveling to recover a good foot, on the proper boots to be using and whether or not they might have a detrimental affect on my horseʼs fused joint?

Thanks so much!

Chris

Hi Chris,

 

Sounds like quite the adventure you're having with this horse.  If you're working with someone knowledgeable, you're way ahead of the game.  I would trust their judgment as long as they have some experience.  About all I can tell you, without consulting directly with you, is that you'll likely have several months or even a couple of years getting this horse going.  There's a lot that's happened "wrong" to this horse from the sounds of it, but now that you're going a better direction, progress should be more the norm.  I would be surprised if the horse can be 100% given what he's been through, but he may not need to be "100%" to do what you want to do.  Lower level performance is still an achievement- I don't think any horse with a fused pastern can perform as well as a horse with a normal joint.  If the surgeon is so optimistic, he/she must have a good reason.  Are they aware of your decision to be rebellious and make your horse work on his own feet?      

 

Using hoof boots is not a problem.  Think about how heavy some of those crazy "corrective" shoes with pads weigh!  I would defer to your trimmer again on use of boots and which kinds will work best on your horse with his specific problems.  Using boots is very important.

 

Keep up the good work.  Sounds like a lucky horse to have found you.

 

Dr. TT

Tender Feet

Hello

I was wondering if after having my horses feet trimmed is it possible his feet were tender?  He was very hesitant to walk toward where the farrier did his feet and then, no matter what we tried, we just couldnʼt get him to lunge.  He just stood there and refused to budge.

Kindest regards

M

Hello M,

 

Certainly your horse could have been trimmed too much.  It sounds like this was the case from your description.  I have a "trim manual" you can find on the EasyCare website that might be of help to your farrier. 

 

Take care,

 

Dr. TT

Inflamed Coffin Bone- Frustrated Trimmer

Hello Dr. Teskey,

 

I have studied your work as well as Pete Ramey's for a couple of years now.  I have been trimming my 10 horses as well as about 45-50 others for the past year.  I have a horse with a bit of a story.  I was making great progress with her, she went back to the original owners and now they say she will be just fine once they get shoes back on her.  Can I bounce her pictures off you and see what you think, as well as any "professional" opinions you may have for me as well as the owner?

 

Thank you for your time and always saying what you think, :)

Jen

Hi Jen,

If the owners are not committed to using a natural approach for their horse, we aren't going to be of help.  Folks need to make up their minds and make a committment if we are to be successful with them and their horses.  Don't take others' decisions personally.  All you can do is your best, and say what you mean/mean what you say to clients.  You know you are a good hoof care provider regardless of what others say or do.  Keep your chin up.

Of course it would also be interesting to look at hoof/horse pictures you've got, regardless of whether the horse will be treated appropriately or not:)

I'm sure we could learn something along the way,

Dr. T

Ringbone

Hello,

I read your two previous questions about ringbone, however my horse seems a bit different, and I thought I’d see what you think. 

I have an 18 year old, 15.2hh, “bull-dog” Quarter Horse gelding.  I have ridden and driven him for the past 7 years, and the last 5 years we were competing in competitive trail driving over distances of 25 to 50 miles.  The actual events were on soft ground, but 90% of our conditioning was done over paved roads.  He has extremely nice and healthy hooves, which are large and in good proportion with his very stocky body.  Through our competitive years and pavement driving, he wore steel shoes on all 4 feet, with borium for traction, and rubber pads for cushion.  He never took a lame step a day in his life – ever, and his feet remained healthy.  Two years ago, about 2 months before a 50 mile event, he suddenly was very lame on a front leg.  Flexion tests and x-rays showed arthritis in his pastern.  Two weeks rest, bute, and then hit the roads again.  We successfully completed the event, with the event vet finding a small hint of lameness at the end, barely noticeable.

In the spring, we started conditioning again with plans of a 100 mile event in late spring. We drove on the roads for about a month, and he was lame again.  More x-rays were taken, and his official diagnosis was ringbone, and the changes just from fall to spring were noticeable.  The vet said to quit using borium, or have my farrier flatten out the borium, instead of making them small and steep.  The vet said his competition days were over, and that he would probably only be very light riding sound, and would progressively get worse as the years went on.  We tried Adequan, and Legend, with no change.  So, I retired him, pulled his shoes, and if I’m going to use him I give him bute the day before, the day of, and the day after.  If I don’t use bute, he’s moderately lame.

I hate the idea of him being a pasture pet at only 18.  I took him out recently and he’s so tender on the road and gravel, and will trot very hesitantly.  I’m starting to think that he’d be better off with shoes, seeing as then his feet aren’t actually on the roads, so it will lessen his lameness.  I’ve read a lot about corrective shoeing for ringbone, and am starting to think that barefoot is actually harming him instead of helping.  He’s trimmed every 4-6 weeks.

Thanks for reading this – I know it’s long!

Best Regards,

Pam

Hello Pam,

You need to keep up your research.  All your answers are out there on the internet.

It's vitally important you get some hoof boots for your horse, as well...always, always have boots on hand before taking shoes off a horse.

The lameness you see is the direct result of previous hoof care/management/shoeing.  All of a sudden your horse is feeling the damage.  Horses that are never shod and trimmed properly do not end up with these common problems.  Use of borium is especially damaging as it sends even more fierce vibrations up in to the horse's legs with every step.

Read www.hoofrehab.com in addition to others that come up when you do a search for "barefoot horse".

Dr. TT

A Tough Mare

Hi T2 and hope this finds you warm and well.

 

I am struggling with an older TWH mare who was in shoes and harshly ridden for most of her life.

 

I began trimming her in May, 2007.  She was ouchy walking on anything so we put her in boots and she was quite happy.  Worked her way out of boots in a month or so.  Was tested positive for Lymes but not treated.

 

I worked with the owner who now trims her 2 horses and pony and does a nice job.

 

This mare got ouchy again so we suspected lamintis and took her off grass (turnout on grass was a few hours daily).  Got the sugar out of her diet, soaked the hay, booted as needed.  Added in a probiotic to counter act the bute regimen as discussed next.

 

The Vet, suspecting lamintis, had her on isoxsuprine (which was discontinued after I talked to owner) and bute which she weaned off.  Any suggestions on managing the pain?  Does bute have a role?

 

In November the owner called me very concerned as mare had runny manure and was losing all tone from topline.  She has definitely aged in appearance in the last year.

 

I did some research and suspected cushings.  Mare tested negative for Cushings, but her muscle enzyme levels were moderately off from normal.

 

Vet has no idea what's going on.

 

And to add to our misery, the herd is refusing to eat the hay purchased last fall so everyone is losing weight. (separate question... have any idea what's going on with the hay?  She didn't report any mold but obviously something is going on.)

 

Any help is so appreciated!

As always thanks so very much.

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

 

My suspicions are that this mare's age (ie- MILEAGE) are catching up with her.  I would still try some jiaogulan herb and cinnamon and chaste tree berry for the Cushing's and possible insulin resistance.  She'll be a tough case from the sounds of it.  Lots of issues!  Get rid of the isoxsuprine- absolutely worthless.  Occasional bute may get you over some "humps", but not good in the long run.  Increase exercise, put her to the test.  You've got nothing to lose.  Glad to hear you're doing well with the trimming and other adventures!

 

Dr. T

Swelling and Pain 3 Days After Banamine Injection

Dr. Tom,

My husband gave my 5 yr. old mare an IM injection of Banamine in the neck as she was showing early signs of colic and we were leaving to join family. 3 days later she is experiencing discomfort on her left side, she drags her left leg and does not want to turn her head to her back in either direction.  My husband and I both noticed swelling in the area where the shot was administered and it felt a little warm.  I checked her thoroughly and found no other causes for her discomfort so Iʼm assuming she has had a reaction to the injection of banamine. What caused this?  What do I need to do to care for her?  This is not the first time my husband has given an injection of banamine to this mare but this is the first time she has had such a reaction.

Sincerely,

Tracy

Hi Tracy,

Sometimes some liniment will help soreness and swelling in the neck after a reaction like this.  Time gone by will ultimately be what allows it to subside.  Many horses react to injections.  Especially in the neck- it's not that uncommon.  I would avoid giving this horse injections in the neck, and at all unless absolutely necessary.  She is obviously quite sensitive.  I've seen some horses end up with scar tissue and some stiffness in their necks after such a reaction, but that has been rare.  I would keep her moving for sure.  Don't let her just stand around.

 

Take care,

 

Dr. TT

Is There Ever A Reason to Shoe a Horse?

Greetings Dr. Teskey

I asked at my vet's office about shoeing.  The woman in his office said that it depends on what job the horse will be doing as well as the hoof integrity as to shoe or not shoe a horse. 

 

I also read an article that followed that line of thought.  From your articles I have read, and from current science research, horses don't need shoes.

 

Dr. Teskey, is there ever any reason to shoe a horse?

I want to remove the front shoes on my new 6yo mare and am afraid I going to be told  "she needs shoes".

 

Thanks for your help and for ALL THE EFFORT  and WORK you do to educate horse people.

 

Mary

Hi there,

 

The short answer to your question, for me, is NO.

 

I'm attaching an article ("The Unfettered Foot; A paradigm change for equine podiatry") for you to read, since you'll soon be visiting your veterinarian.  It has some food for thought for you.  Maybe your veterinarian would also like a copy.

Dr. Tom T.

 

Treating Navicular

Dear Dr. Teskey,

Hi!  After being misdiagnosed for several months, my 13-year-old Appendix Quarter Horse Bugsy was diagnosed last spring with ligament problems.  When the recommended rest, etc., didn't cure his lameness as expected I took him to Cornell University's vet hospital where he was diagnosed within the last few weeks with fairly advanced navicular syndrome.

Their recommended treatment follows pretty traditional guidelines, with the Cornell vet fashioning modified shoes, and the vet recommending bute as needed, and so on, with possible neurectomy anticipated somewhere down the line.

However, a barefoot solution, with proper trimming, etc., intrigues me and I'm wondering if you can recommend any vets or other knowledgeable pros in my area I can turn to.

My horse is in the Sussex County, NJ/Orange County, NY area, which is just outside the greater New York City metro area.

I'm reluctant to proceed without the approval of a vet, so I'm hoping you can help me get in touch with one who's open to such treatments.  Those I've spoken to so far don't seem to approve of a horse with navicular syndrome going without shoes.

I'm also still in the process of determining just how sound my horse Bugsy may be.  He's recently been running around his turnout without too much trouble and last weekend I started riding him in a ring, moving at a walk and for a short time only.

Recent weather, as well as waiting for him to recover from thrush, among other things, have slowed my ability to move forward with him.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated--thanks!
          --Evan

Hi Evan,

Finding a good trimmer/hoof care provider is more likely than finding a DVM to help you.  I am embarrassed for my profession to say you don't need a traditional veterinarian at this point, as they are much more likely to harm your horse with antiquated and useless therapies, injections, shoes, surgeries.  A trimmer will have infinitely more success with you and your horse.  You just need to find one!  My best advice is to steer clear of veterinarians that are not open to your horse "having his feet back".   Think about it, it's all the previous management and treatment/shoeing that has brought your horse to this end.  Using more "special" shoeing techniques will simply make your horse worse and get them further from health.

Run a search for "barefoot trimmer list" on your computer and you'll get lots of hits.  Ask around.  Word of mouth is likely a good bet, too.

Don't let the vets and farriers bully you or strike FEAR in to you.  Your horse can absolutely heal.  Just give him the basic ingredients and enjoy the ride.

Dr. Tom T.

Gelding with Mild Club Foot

Dear Dr. Tom;

 

I recently purchased a 4 yo gelding with a mild club foot.  He had shoes on (barely) and I have removed them and done a barefoot trim.  I rasped some heel off the club foot and plan on gradually lowering the heel. The sole is extremely flat and the heel is contracted.  He is a little sore on that foot but the leg is not sore nor the tendons excessively tight. I have not been able to find information in barefoot trims and club feet.  Please enlighten me.

 

Ron

Dear Ron,

Sounds like you're off to a good start there.  Trimming these hooves is a challenge, and I'd say in general that people tend to try and remove too much of that heel in the long run.  A  little at a time is a good idea.  You'll reach a point where it seems the horse won't put up with any more depending on the amount of exercise.  If you visit some of the yahoo hoof trimming groups you can find lots of information from previous posts.  Go to yahoo.com and search in the "yahoo groups" for "trimming".

Dr. TT

Horse Question... Conformational Problem

Hi Dr. T,

I came across your name regarding a question someone had about a horse and thought perhaps I could ask you one of my own.  I am looking to purchase a particular 4 year old buckskin mare potentially to do amateur barrel racing.  The only fault physically in her is that her right front hoof is slightly turned out.  It does not affect her gait and she is still incredibly sound and sure-footed, however I am not sure if it would be safe for her heath to begin training her for barrels as they are quick turns and sudden stops.  Do you have any information on this topic?  The current owner assures me that this condition is not due to an injury of any sorts, but that she was born this way. Thank you so much,

-S

Dear S,

I would venture to say you'd have no problems with this horse as long as you don't attempt to correct her conformation with special shoeing or too radical of trimming.  The horse knows exactly where her hooves are and will compensate no problem.  I have horses myself with severe limb conformation problems and they perform at a high level with no interferences.  Ones I have tried to "fix" or use "therapeutic" shoes they start to have problems they didn't have before.

That being said, you don't want to allow the conformation to get worse, and through consistent and respectful trimming and balancing the hooves the way they are, and not giving in to flaring and imbalances, you can keep the horse going just fine.  Many vets and farriers will attempt to "scare" an owner into special procedures and/or shoeing in cases like this, and for the greatest percentage of the cases, it's totally unwarranted and unnecessary.  They simply don't know and understand how it all works, and this ignorance gets passed on to the owner. 

A small conformational problem isn't a career-ending thing for a horse.  Ride and be happy.

Dr. TT

Horse with Sidebone

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

Navicular Diagnosis... Finding Help

Dr. Tomas Teskey,

While searching the internet in hopes of finding the miracle shoe for Navicular, I ran across your article:  Treating Navicular Syndrome.

This is the second horse I have purchased that has been diagnosed as Navicular.  In my first search the future was always doom and gloom. So I donated the horse to a camp for troubled children after informing them of his diagnosed problem. The Farrier nor Vet seemed to offer any help.

In order to make a long story short. Can you tell me of anyone within a reasonable distance from Dickson, TN zip code 37055 that might possibly help me and my mare?

Sincerely,

RC

Hi there,

Check out EasyCare for their page that helps you locate people to help, as well as Pete Ramey's website Hoof Rehab.  Many of the other natural hoof care websites also have lists of people that are knowledgeable.  You can also check out The Horses Hoof, Bare Foot Horse websites.

Keep up your research.  You're on the right track now!

Dr. TT

Grain Overload is an Emergency

Hello Dr. Tom,

I'm fairly new to horses, (5 years only) and constant changing…

My horse has just learned today that he can open yet another door.  This time into the feed room.   He and the donkey helped themselves to what appears to be about

a feed bucket full of crushed oats.  Of course I am now concerned about grain founder.  Can anything be given to them to help the body rid itself of any overage??

Please help

Hi There,

Hopefully you have all ready called for some veterinary help on this.  It could be a bad problem.  It isn't something I can help you with much over the email.  There is a pretty standard protocol for treatment that is successful that should have been in place.  AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  This generally involves giving the horse laxatives to help the gut rid the grain quickly.  I also believe in exercising them at a walk and trot until they begin to pass the grain.  If your horse is showing lameness now, it's too late for the preventative treatment. If he’s doing OK you may be out of the woods.

Dr. TT

Navicular Again

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

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.

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

Recent Example of Barefoot Success

Dear Dr. Teskey,

I was cleaning off my desk and came across your article "The Unfettered Hoof," which I had previously read but had not looked at for some time.  You may not recall, but we have talked about my decision to go barefoot some time back, and I have appreciated your thoughts and advice.  I was
particularly struck this time by your discussion on the fact that a shod horse who loses a shoe goes immediately lame.  Here is an example of the difference between a shod and barefoot horse in this respect:

I am one of the joint masters of our local formal hunt, and have been hunting and whipping in to our hunt for about ten years.  About four years ago I made the decision to pull the shoes off all my hunt and polo horses.  This has been quite successful.

I use boots when I am whipping in at some of our most rocky fixtures, because when whipping in I don't have the luxury of letting my horse slow down and pick his way across the rocky areas. Often we have to go full out over country we can not see because of the grassy cover.  Nevertheless, most of the time it would not be necessary to use them.

As you may know, 2007 is the Centennial of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, the MFHA.  As part of that celebration, the MFHA organized a series of 'performance trials' across the country, whereby several hunts would bring their best hounds to a particular hunt fixture, mix the hounds together, hunt them under a single huntsman, and they would be judged and graded by mounted judges.  The hunting is usually very fast and hard, and the whips are called on to ride fast and hard to help manage the hounds.

At the trial held at our hunt, in late march, I was whipping in as usual along with a young lady, a protégé who I taught to ride and hunt.  She and I were the only two who were barefoot (but in boots).  To my knowledge everyone of the local and visiting hunters were barefoot.

About half way through the first day, I noticed I had lost one of my boots.  Later I learned that Madeleine had likewise lost one of hers. Since both our mounts were still going sound and there was a strong need for us to continue, we did.

Throughout the day several of the shod horses also lost shoes.   Every one of them had to immediately retire.   Madeleine and I finished the hunt with no problems.

It seems to me this is a complete vindication of the benefit of going barefoot.

MB

Hi M,

Thanks so much for relating this experience and insight.  Best wishes to you all for continued success with the horses.

Thank you.  Take care,

Dr. Tom T.

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.

 

Continuing Problems With My Barefoot Horse

Dear Dr. Teskey,

I have two problems I hope you can give me insight on.  The first is scratches possibly caused by the use of hoof boots.  The second is heel height and frog/digital cushion development.

I emailed you last winter because my horse, who had been barefoot since Sept. 2006, was very hoof sore.  At your suggestion, I used Easyboot Bares every time I rode him and used the thick comfort pads.  He did well with the boots and pads at home but had severe problems on the 2 multi-day endurance rides we did.

The obvious problem was that the boots just didn't fit him well.  At the ride in January, I poured at least 1/4 cup of grit, dirt and sand out of each boot at the end of the day.  This was after using vet wrap, duct tape and plumber's putty.  In addition to the dirt in the boots, the comfort pads had gotten folded in half horizontally underneath his sole and were ruined.  Then, on top of all that, he got a bad case of scratches.  I had only planned to do the first 2 days of the ride which was good because there was no way he could have done the third day. The scratches cleared up quickly (within a week) once we got home.

My second concern is that his frogs and contracted heels have not changed since I pulled his shoes last fall.  As you suggested, I used the hoof boots all winter to cushion his tender feet and he did well here at home. My trimmer, who has trimmed lots of barefoot horses, but isn't really trained, won't lower the heels, saying the hoof angle has to match the pastern angle.  I read quite a bit about trimming but still don't feel like I know much of anything.  Unfortunately, there is no well trained hoof trimmer near me that I know of.  I have a rasp and hoof stand and am quite willing to do what I can.

Even though the scratches are frustrating and I fear may end our endurance career, I am just as concerned about helping my horse's hooves to develop in a healthy direction.  Other horses that he lives with are doing just fine barefoot and have large, healthy looking frogs.  So, now I'm searching for what I need to do to help my horse get there too.

I really would appreciate any insight you can give!

Thanks,
L

Dear L,

Mostly it sounds like you need to ride barefoot more and condition the horse's hooves to do endurance barefoot, as I think you're right about the pastern wraps and the scratches.  This can be serious, so I wouldn't keep using the tape and wrapping above the boot that was contributing to that problem.  It also sounds like you've done too much/demanded too much of the horse early on.  Conditioning on the right terrain (not gravel) as well as keeping the horse in a good environment are the most important things.  Along with diet.

Decontraction of hooves is a mighty slow process, or doesn't happen at all many times coming out of shoes, since it's the BONES that are misshapen. Give it at least two years before deciding there will or won't be decontraction.

Keep up the good work,

Dr. TT

Rehab Thru Barefoot Trim

Hi,

First thanks in advance for your help.

I have an 8 yr old gelding that presented acutely lame on the right fore about 1 month ago.  We gave him stall rest for a few days before seeking vet care. After 1 week he saw the vet who first diagnosed an abscess and took x-rays. He was tender to the palpation area on RF leg at hoof/hair line.

After developing x-rays, vet called to say possible fracture to the pastern bone.  Returned for more films. 

Horse was continued on 24/7 stall rest and results of other films sent to NC State Vet School radiology dept for diagnosis.

Vet

School

said bony calcification between P2 & P3.  They suggest steroid injection. 

Can barefoot trim help this horse?

He has improved vastly but still gives on RF when circled but is much better at straight trot.

PB

Hi PB,

Certainly natural hoof care helps horses in general, because it respects their natural abilities to both heal and then perform.  There is a good amount of information available now that demonstrates how well horses do when they get their hoof health back.  I have treated many, many horses with fractures and calcifications/ringbone type changes and have always had some improvement in their condition.

Take care,

Dr. TT