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  Discussion on Keratex Hoof Gel
Author Message
Member:
leilani

Posted on Friday, May 25, 2007 - 6:12 pm:

Dr. O,

What are your thoughts on Keratex Hoof Gel? This is our rainy season and I was wondering if this would protect my mares' hooves from excess moisture. They are cleaned 2x a day and sprayed with betadine. Thank you.
Member:
frances

Posted on Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 8:26 am:

For what it's worth, my experience with Keratex Hoof Gel has been good. It protects the hooves well, but there is a drawback: you have to apply it to a completely dry clean hoof, let the gel dry really thoroughly and not turn the horse out immediately afterwards. Depends on your situation and your normal riding and turnout times, but I find it quite hard to fulfil all these requirements in wet weather .... which is when you need it!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 8:42 am:

Leilani, what is in the product and what is the recommended application.
DrO
Member:
leilani

Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 4:25 pm:

Dr O,
Stoddard solvent aluminum stearate turpentine liquid form. Apply to coronary band and work down the hoof and sole. Apply every 2 days in wet weather. Also, said to clean with acetone before use. Thank you
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 9:06 am:

The solution of salts of fat (aluminum stearate) in turpentine is fine and in line with our recommendations in the article on hoof treatments. However acetone is very-very drying and I recommend strongly against its pre-use.
DrO
Member:
frances

Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 11:16 am:

On my Keratex Hoof Gel bottle it states that the product must NOT be applied to the coronary band - you start below it - and cleaning with acetone is only to be done once, before the initial application, and only IF oil has been used on the hoof in the previous three months. Otherwise, no acetone to be used.
Member:
leilani

Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 4:10 pm:

Thank you Dr. O. Leilani
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 6:20 pm:

Thanks for the clarifications LL. In general no problems would be expected with skin contact, it is used as a food additive, but I would certainly just apply it to the hoof wall at the coronary band down. It is kind of odd, remove the current substances protecting the foot then add back their protection. Best would be applied to a clean foot but I still might just forego the acetone treatment.
DrO
Member:
leilani

Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 7:16 pm:

The Keratex website re question on coronary band:

There is enormous benefit in using Keratex Hoof Gel on the coronary band especially with horses such of yours with feathers that will constantly saturate the CB in wet weather.

: As I am sure you will have realised we have erred on the side of caution when writing the product labels, but this is because we felt unsure that people would fully appreciate the sort of truncated warning that would fit on a label.

: The problem is that KHG contains pure turpentine. This was not only the ideal solvent for some of the ingredients, but it is also a superb natural antiseptic. Unfortunately it stings a lot when it comes into contact with exposed sensitive tissue.

: Having got this stuff on my hands from time to time I can vouch for the fact that it causes no sensitization on unbroken skin, but if there is a slight split around a finger nail or an unhealed cut, it hurts like....!

: In the early stages of testing the product we came across horses that would react violently when it was applied to the CB. On inspection all had cuts, abrasions, dry split skin etc. So having seen the antics of some of these horses we decided to advise against use on the CB despite knowing that in most horses it would be very beneficial.

: Knowing the benefits we devised an application procedure for the coronary band that would minimise and reaction from, or stress to, the horse and allow the horseowner this choice.

: Knowing that the stuff is OK on unbroken skin we found that for the first application to the CB any adverse reaction could be minimised by applying to only about 1 inch of CB at a time and waiting a few moments. If there was no reaction then the next 1 inch and so on until all four CBs had been treated. Thereafter, before applying we checked the CBs for visible cuts or abrasions and if there were none applied KHG in one go as to the hoof and sole.

: It is unfortunate that those horses that react are often the ones that need the protection to CBs that have cracked and deteriorated as a result of constant saturation. It is therefore worth treating the damaged CBs to heal the tissue and then treat with KHG.

: So our position on this is that there is great benefit in treating the CBs and it must be done with the foregoing very much in mind. Anyone having any concerns about treating the CB with KHG is better not doing it, but it is really worth the effort to check it out.

: regards,

: Colin


Dr O and LL, I will use this product starting below the coronary band. Thanks again. Leilani
Member:
frances

Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 9:00 am:

That's interesting, Leilani. At least it means no need to worry any more when I sometimes flick some of the gel on the CB by mistake! I always thought it might make that part of the horn grow down in some terrible misshapen way!
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