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  Discussion on Sore after four point trim
Author Message
Member:
vera

Posted on Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 4:08 pm:

My farrier used the four point trim technique on my horses and one is severely lame and I notice slight sensitivity in the others. The worse case is my QH gelding that can hardly move now. Over the past few days I've given him 2 grams of bute/day. Should I give the others bute as well. Should I assume sole bruising and soak with epsom salt. Is this something that can work itself out with my help of course?
Member:
scooter

Posted on Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 5:07 pm:

Hi Angela he must have did the trim wrong for your horse to be that sore. I would get some boots or pads on your qh, in a pinch construction grade styrofoam will work. some people have even cut up a garden kneeling pad (thick foam) and taped that on.

I don't know about soaking, my inclination would be no, so you don't soften the sole any. Betadine or Iodine will help harden the sole. Hopefully Dr.O. can give you some direction there.
Member:
stek

Posted on Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 6:01 pm:

Angela, I'm with Diane .. I would think soaking would only soften, though I remember reading that epsom salt soaks are not recommended for abscess because the hypersalinity of the solution actually draws moisture OUT of the hoof and makes it harder. That said, when I'm trying to draw an abscess out of the coronary band, I soak twice a day and wrap with icthamol. Maybe Dr. O can shed some light on this?

I recently had an experience with a trimmer severely laming on of our boarder's horses to the same extent you describe (barely able to move). Boots or pads are a good idea, but time is the only real healer. Our guy is just now able to walk without bute (it has been 10 days) and is still a long way from being able to trot.

I would definitely let the farrier know your horses' condition, hopefully he will acknowledge responsibility and learn from the mistake (ours unfortunately did not).

Good luck :-)
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 6:38 pm:

Hello AngeleS,
In general slight sensitivity does not require treatment. We give specific recommendations on treatment and prognosis of horses trimmed too close (which is the most likely reason for soreness following a trim of any kind) at Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Problems Following Shoeing or Trimming. Is there someone other problem you think may be going on.
DrO
Member:
vera

Posted on Friday, Oct 10, 2008 - 11:29 am:

Thank you for the help. My QH is doing much better today as well the others. I am a proponent of natural trimming so it is not the technique that I am swearing at. I just think that the farrier is not trained appropriately for it. I have taken a clinic from a certified AANHCP instructor to do it myself, but with my mare having the problems with her back legs (like yours Diane (shivers??)) I cannot handle it myself. Actually it's getting to the point I think to stop trimming her back feet b/c it's next to impossible even with help. She trims them pretty good herself anyway. I have one horse that has a slight upright foot and I am scared that I'm going to do something wrong if I trim him myself. I need to just buck up and do it myself I guess.
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