This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Horse Care » Hoof Care, Hoof Trimming, Shoeing Horses » Correct Shoeing for Owners and Vets »
  Discussion on Correct shoeing for fetlock DJD?
Author Message
Member:
adriaa

Posted on Thursday, Feb 1, 2007 - 11:59 am:

Hi all,

Well I have finally found a horse (but that's another thread).
A coming 7 y.o. TB mare who never raced but was bred and trained to.

During the pre-purchase exam she was grade 1 lameness for the flexion test on both front feet, I went ahead and ordered xrays and the vet said she showed mild signs of DJD in both fetlocks. After much thought I decided to buy her, she's just a doll and I really liked her and I feel I can give her the care she needs.

Long story short, he recommended starting her on Cosequin and shoeing her (she was barefoot). My question is what would be the proper shoeing to take some impact off of her fetlocks? When going she also does not extend out her feet, resulting in possibly striking the toe more than heel. He feet are in great shape. Also, does she need to be shod all the way around or is just front fine?

Thanks

I'll post an intro thread about her when I get a chance!
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Thursday, Feb 1, 2007 - 2:40 pm:

My DJD diagnosed gelding (hocks and fetlock) is barefoot and does great that way. (He also gets daily Corta Flx, monthly Adequan, and has had his joints injected once -- nearly a year ago). I am wondering why a horse with good feet but DJD should have shoes. The BEST thing you can do is make sure the feet are perfectly balanced.
Member:
freshman

Posted on Thursday, Feb 1, 2007 - 8:17 pm:

I would have expected the vet that diagnosed her to make some shoeing suggestions. Perhaps you could call him and ask him what is best in his experience?

He may also be able to recommend a good farrier that he has worked with and trusts to perform the recommended changes to her feet. I think that sometimes a lot is "lost in translation" when an owner is told by the vet to ask their farrier to shoe their horse in any certain way.

No matter how much you trust your farrier, ask him or her to place a call to your vet to review the case and hear out his recommendations, or even go to the clinic to look at the radiographs with the vet if possible.

Not underestimating farriers at all--it is a reciprocal relationship between each professional that can serve your horse best in the long run. Good vets and farriers will realize this and shouldn't have any problem consulting each other.

I'd be open to applying shoes or leaving the horse barefoot for this or any condition. A lot of folks seem to think that you have to "choose sides," but usually good results can be acheived in more than one way. Each horse is an individual and might be better served barefoot or from the application of shoes.

Good luck with your new horse!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Feb 2, 2007 - 6:21 am:

I think the comments above good and from the aspect of his fetlocks this horse will probably do equally well whether shod or not as long as the feet remain well balanced.

If I had a horse with excellent feet and was not going to use the horse on hard surfaces I would consider going unshod as the decreased weight swinging at the end of the pastern may be less stress on the fetlock. But I am not there to examine the horse they may be other factors that suggest shoeing indicated. As suggested above get your farrier and veterinarian together so there are no misunderstandings.
DrO
Member:
adriaa

Posted on Friday, Feb 2, 2007 - 6:30 pm:

Thanks, very insightful. I think I'm going to check with her regular vet, I had to use a different vet since there was a conflict of interest when I was purchasing her. Have him look at her and see what he says a far as shoeing goes, then see if he can work together with the farrier.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC