PHOTOGRAPHIC EXAMPLES OF APPLIED EQUINE PODIATRY IN PROGRESS

ARAB GELDING

14.1 Arab gelding, 10 years. He was taken out of shoes 6 years ago and Applied Equine Podiatry commenced in early 2005. Due to a recent injury he was confined to a stable for four weeks. He was scheduled to be trimmed the day of his accident. Before his accident his hoof condition was very good rated as a 7 on the SofU and regularly completing distance rides of 15-20 miles across varied and often demanding terrain. Without environmental stimulus, restricted movement and 8 weeks without a HPT all the frogs became infected with thrush and fungal infection and the general hoof condition began to deteriorate within that month. As soon as it was possible to apply the HPT trim, commence Clean Traxing and turnout on a hard-standing area the infection was controlled and improvement began.

The injury sustained removed part of the lateral cartilage, coronet band, heel bulb and hoof wall and damaged the venous plexuses resulting in several blood vessels being stitched. The original veterinary instruction was strict confinement and restricted movement to prevent the overproduction of proud flesh. The problem arose however that to ensure healthy hoof growth and repair Applied Equine Podiatry relies on environmental stimulus. After a couple of weeks it was clear that despite every effort to keep the stable clean fungal infection had taken a hold in all frogs and was compromising the vital role the frog plays to maintain healthy hoof function and hoof repair. After productive discussions with the Vet involved a compromise was reached and turnout was arranged on a small hard-standing area and all hooves were Clean Traxed. The photos below show the progress made to date.

18 THE NOVEMBER. The shows the depth of the injury and is the day after the accident and the start of confinement to stable.

20TH DECEMBER AND 1ST JANUARY 2007

One veterinary call was arranged to remove proud flesh and all the hooves were Clean Traxed. The close up shows how the coronet band and heal bulb has begun to repair and the new hoof wall keratinize and become harder.

23RD JANUARY 2007 A great improvement this shows a healthy frog growing in size and depth. Light exfoliation has taken place on the sole.

7TH FEBRUARY 2007

New wall growth has fully keratinized and with the continuing correct environmental stimulus this will eventually grow down the hoof. This horse is now sound and has begun to walk out to return to fitness.

It is interesting to note that all hooves show growth rings just below the coronet band. The injured hoof has a slight indent all around as well. This is where growth had been disrupted due to this injury, the use of drugs to control infection and the dramatic change in environment.