I must take exception to comments by Stephen E. O’Grady, DVM, MRCVS, in “Barefoot vs. Shod: An Equine Podiatrist’s Perspective” online at www.TheHorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=9796. Nail
If hoof structures are poorly developed, then they will be less capable of going barefoot and, even when shod, not as ready for withstanding continuous training. To avoid sore feet, the quality of the trimming and shoeing and interval between shoeing
I am often asked about leaving horses barefoot. I must say from the onset that I favor horses being maintained without shoes when possible. Whether or not it is feasible for a horse to go without shoes will depend on the owner’s situation and
Working to correct low heels when they begin to develop is far more successful than waiting until the horse has had no heel for a long time. Low-heeled conformation is not healthy and can compromise soundness in the short or long term.
When they are compromised due to disease processes such as laminitis, or poor internal hoof balance that leads to poor blood flow and overstressing of internal structures, putting the feet in comfortable alignment and applying massage helps them heal
“Owners and trainers worldwide have the feeling that every veterinarian and every farrier have years of experience and vast knowledge about laminitis and podiatry (foot care). Unfortunately, this is not the case,” said Ric Redden, DVM, founder of
Acute and chronic laminitis is a frustrating and often disheartening condition to manage. Having had the opportunity to observe, treat and shoe laminitic horses for over 30 years, I have a unique prospective into this disease.
The biggest
One veterinarian describes the causes of and a traditional treatment method for underrun heels.
The annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, held in San Antonio, Texas, in early December 2006, had three sessions devoted to foot care that were open to farriers. Following are synopses of some of those presentations
Some foals sharing the same sire are all walking on their tiptoes and are very upright. Is this genetic?
Shelly, crumbly feet can be a challenge for horses and their owners. The feet break down too readily if the horse is barefoot, and they are unable to hold nails if he’s shod. In this article we’ll look at several causes and potential treatments for
Barbaro’s death might lead one to think that despite the best veterinary care available, horses with severe leg injuries and/or laminitis are unrecoverable and should be immediately destroyed. But one equine veterinarian says that couldn’t be further
When horse owners wer
Acquired flexural deformity of the coffin joint is often referred to as “club foot.” The foot’s appearance can vary from dished with the heel raised to a boxy shape with the hoof wall nearly perpendicular to the ground.
Five days after undergoing surgery, Barbaro was in excellent condition, according to a report from the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.
“He looks good, everything is fine
Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with
