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  Discussion on DrOpped sole
Author Message
New Member:
pct1950

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 2:39 pm:

Hi,
I am new to this so if I mess up don't shoot me ok?..lol.
I own 9 horses and take care of their hoofs myself..I have been called a few times to look at other peoples horses and offer tips if I can. I got a call last Friday about a horse that needed to be looked at and "maybe" trimmed because she was having trouble walking!
I went out as soon as I could and was introduced to a 4 year old mare that was in obvious pain with each step. I looked at the hooves and they were in very bad shape,..toes broken out and sand cracks,.quarters split out on 3 of the 4 hooves,...heels gone on the front hooves,..and that's just for starters...after looking a little closer the near side front hoof had a DrOpped sole running about 1/2 inch below the hoof wall and a "herniation" for lack of a better term about 2 1/2 inches long and, 3/8 to 1/2 inch wide along the coronary band at the toe that is very "spongy" and extremely tender.
My question is thIS:
What can I tell this person about how to "fix" this horse?

Oh, I forgot something else..below the hoof herniation..the hoof wall has deteriorated about 2 inches down.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 4:16 pm:

Holy #$%^!! Sorry, but it is just beyond my comprehension how someone can let a horse get into this shape. It didn't happen overnight!

Personally, I would tell this person they need to get the mare to a good vet, with good x-ray equipment and have him call in a knowledgeable farrier and the vet and farrier need to work on this horse. I'm betting she has a serious infection along with her other hoof problems.

Dr.O and others on this board are much more knowledgeable when it comes to feet. I've been around horses my entire life ( almost 70 yrs.) but I try not to work on their feet myself. My back can't take it.
Member:
canter

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 4:37 pm:

Ditto to what Sara said - this poor horse sounds like she needs urgent professional care. Until then, DrO and others who have experienced severe hoof issues have good info on this site to help make the mare more comfortable.
New Member:
pct1950

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 5:08 pm:

Thanks to you both for the input Fran and Sara!, I totally agree with getting the horse to the vet and mentioned that but, was promptly told she will NOT load into a trailer..back to square one!
Fran you mentioned some articles posted earlier..ho do I find them? (I really am new here!)...lol
Member:
mrose

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 5:42 pm:

Do these folks have a trailer? If they do, it's very possible to get a horse in trailer whether she wants to go or not, esp. an open stock trailer. If that is an impossible task for whatever reason, they should call the vet. Most vets will do farm calls and have portable x-ray equipment.

On the sidebar to the left of the page, click on "diseases" then on "lameness" then "diseases of the hoof" and you should be able to find what you need. You can also do a search using the search box in the upper right corner of the page.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 8:17 pm:

Welcome Phil,
I do think this is going to require experienced professional help to diagnose and recommend specific treatment but as a broad outline of the steps to be taken, assuming this horse is foundering:
1) Stabilize and protect the coffin bone.
2) Remove or treat in predisposing causes or ancillary disease processes (abscesses?) going on.
3) Once the hoof is stable correct the rotation.

These points are covered in detail in the article associated with this discussion.
DrO
New Member:
pct1950

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 8:45 pm:

Thanks Sara, Thanks Dr O,
Both of these are excellent suggestions and, believe me, I have been going through these sections looking for any kind of answer and have found some really good thoughts on the subject.

All I can do now is to pass it on to the owner and let them take it from there as I have no idea how far they are willing to go in making this horse right again.

I did find out some background information..this mare is again about 4 years old and has a 1 year old colt by her side. The mare was raised as an "orphan" when her mother wouldn't/couldn't take care of her. The actual owner is in college and has been away at school and "trusted" someone else to keep an eye on the mare and colt,..they didn't and she is furious with herself for allowing it to happen! (understandable). I am trying to help her boyfriend get the horse semi-healthy again for her when she comes home from school and can take over care.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 11:22 pm:

Wow! This is heartbreaking. The mare is only 4?!! Sadly, I will be very surprised if she can be ridden again. It's going to take a lot of effort and time if she stands a chance at all. I would be beyond furious if I were the owner (I'll bet she is!) I'm so sorry. Thank you for stepping in and trying to help.

I would pass on all this info to the owner and maybe she can maybe talk the "care takers" into doing something, or take it out of their hands. I really feel for this young mare...and her owner.
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Thursday, May 26, 2011 - 8:32 am:

Phil,

I've read through this a few times trying to picture the damage, not sure I've got in right in my mind yet. As a self taught trimmer (still learning, always learning!)I know first hand the agony I've went through thinking I goofed up one of my horses feet. One time for 3 days I taped and padded the front hoofs on one of my horses after I trimmed him too short. Just about killed me seeing him sore; I can't imagine what you are going through seeing this horse suffering and not being able to do more than make suggestions.

Ignorance is one thing when you don't know what you don't know! But at this point these people know this animal is suffering and need to make arrangements to help this mare. If they don't I would like to suggest you report this as an issue of animal cruelty and have the authorities step in.

I know that will be painful for the parties involved but you have become the guy in the white hat who needs to speak up for this poor horse!

Good luck, I hope this has a happy ending!

Take care.
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Saturday, May 28, 2011 - 8:40 am:

Phil,

Any news on the condition of this horse, and what's being done to help her? I've been thinking of her daily and looking for updates.
New Member:
pct1950

Posted on Saturday, May 28, 2011 - 10:59 am:

Angie,

The latest is this, we got some bute to ease up the horses pain and to calm her down then, put a cotton wrap wet down with betadine on the sole and on the coronary "herniation" then placed some blue styrofoam over the sole and wrapped the whole hoof in duct tape to keep it in place.

Still haven't gotten her in a trailer or, had the vet out to see her (he's in another town some 20+ miles away).

We'll just have to keep an eye on her and see how she does..all I can say right now.

Phil
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Saturday, May 28, 2011 - 6:42 pm:

Thanks Phil.

Keeping her and you in my thoughts and prayers. Poor mare.
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