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Discussion on How can I help/prevent a possible club foot?
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Member:
Cpacer
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 14, 2005 - 10:38 am:
Hi there, my question below was triggered by a recent discussion on ‘Acquired Club Foot'. As usual it’s a topic I know nothing about and am worried that my horse has a foot that’s become a little clubbed.
It started with me being out of town for a few weeks and my horse temporarily falling off the farrier’s radar since we were new clients. When I got back to the ranch my horse’s barefoot feet were all choppy, split, cracked, and ugly looking in the front. The farrier came out the next day and gave him a trim but they ended up being really short. We seemed to get on a cycle where every few weeks as soon as new growth would start chunks of hoof would break off and we couldn’t get even growth going. I started having the farrier come out every 4-weeks to keep them shaped the best we could, and started a Biotin supplement. I think (don’t know) that maybe the strength of his feet were compromised after a few months of stall rest (is this possible?).
Anyway, the feet are starting to look like they’re growing out better, however they’re still short and somewhat ouchy when trotting. It’s also been noticed for the first time that one of the front feet (the one that had the most issues) looks slightly clubbed and will not keep an Easyboot on, either due to smaller size or the different angle of the foot.
So my questions are what can I do to remedy this, and how do I know if that’s even the problem?
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Member:
Ejar
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 14, 2005 - 2:41 pm:
Definitely keep up the hoof sups. Dr. O has a great article on hoof supplements, with research on effectiveness. Worth looking up. I used the info to help me choose, since there are so many on the market.
Have you talked to your vet? He or she will have some good thoughts on your foot problems, and will be able to tell you the best course of action, whether it requires more tests, x-rays, feed evaluation, or simply time off and limited trims.
For ouchy feet, I use a hoof hardener, which works pretty well for some horses. Of course, in my case, my mare is particularly sensitive (all over - what a princess) so we are fully shod with pads for protection. If you're in easy boots, shoes with pads might be in your future. (You can always try stuffing a sock or a piece of foam in the easy boot to fill up the gaps.)
From everything I've read on clubby feet, most horses have a predisposition towards hoof differences. In my observations (I always look at feet now) I've never seen a horse with "perfect" or matched set feet. Every one has some oddity, even 'clubbiness' although every owner would deny it up and down. That's where your farrier becomes really important.
I ask my farrier all kinds of questions, everything from 'is our basic care OK?' to his opinion on hoof sups, lameness issues, topicals, new articles on hoof care. Farriers are full of info.
Mine also has a plan for my horse's feet. He has a goal of what he is trying to achieve (i.e., more heel, more toe, width, etc.) and he estimates how long it will take to get there. He doesn't share this with me unless I ask. Most clients just want the job done, they done care about the 'why' behind it. So ask lots of questions.
Good luck.
Erin
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Member:
Cpacer
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 14, 2005 - 6:22 pm:
The sad part is that I've never even spoken to my farrier--he's the mystery man arranged through the boarding facility and comes while I'm at work. Guess maybe I should try to get in touch with him.
I did read DrO's article on hoof supplements which gave me a clue on what ingredients to look for (I actually made a spreadsheet with various brands and what values they had to help me choose).
The last vet we saw recommended putting shoes on the front, but I've wanted to see if we could get through this without going that route which seems to have it's own set of issues. My horse is an Arabian and is supposed to have tough feet, but he too is super sensitive in every way and perhaps the rocky trails are too much. Maybe my farrier will be able to advice on whether or not to shoe. What are HA thoughts on to shoe or not to shoe? His feet might be long enough to put some on now.
I happened to take some pics today to get thoughts on if it even looks abnormal. The foot in question is the black one, which also has a lot of horizontal ridges (is that normal?) The scuff marks are from the Easyboots (next time I'm buying Old Macs). btw-I have to pad the boot, otherwise it goes up over his coronet. This trim is 10-days old.
 
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Member:
Ejar
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 14, 2005 - 11:13 pm:
Boy, what a shine on those pasterns! He must be gorgeous!
His feet look little for an Arab. I think of those guys as having wide feet - the better to spread the weight on sandy terrain. Maybe it's just because he's chipping so easily right now, so his feet don't get a chance to get width.
I would go with shoes, which will give his feet some protection and encourage his feet to spread out a bit. But I would also want to meet the farrier. Even if you only see the farrier every second or third trim, having a little bit of time to talk to him about your horse, his needs, and the farrier's plan is really important. Really, at this point, since you don't get to talk to him, he's just trimming blind, doing what he thinks you want done, rather than understanding all of your concerns.
I wouldn't worry about clubbiness. His angles don't look that extreme. Regular care should keep him sound, and really, that's the biggest concern with foot abnormalities.
Erin
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 15, 2005 - 6:21 am:
I agree they don't look clubby but at this angle may be a bit hard to tell. To evaluate this best is shots taken from the side with the horse standing square. The camera should be as close to the ground as possible and include feet, pasterns and some cannon. For more on what club foot is see, Equine Diseases » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Club Foot.
DrO
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