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  Discussion on UFP in Italian Trotter
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New Member:
Italia

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006 - 6:42 pm:

Hello All,
I just found this wonderful site, searching for articles about UFP. I bought a then 3-year-old Italian Trotter (with many American bloodlines) last year as a riding horse. He would not race, had trouble with the hind end, according to the owner, had ulcers and was very thin. I put him out in a large paddock, let him relax and get away from the stress of training. He improved weight-wise, his attitude changed dramatically, and he grew about 1 1/2 inches in three months. Watching him run and play in his paddock I noticed that he would cross fire constantly, always from right to left, would kick out high and hard. But I thought, he was a Trotter after all and probably not very good in a gallop. This year in March, him not being out as much, of course, I noticed the classic signs of UFP. Mostly after being inside longer than usual. I read what I could find and it was suggested to work him up- and downhill in a trot to strengthen the muscles. This is not possible, we don't have any hills, I live in Italy, at the coast of Toscana. All flat. The second suggestion was to put shoes with a rocker toe on. He is barefoot, so we cut the toe, and that works fine, except in the stall, in the deep straw bedding. Last night he locked up again, and I actually heard it pop. And loud, too. So I talked to my farrier who happens to be the previous owner of the horse. He suggested Blister or Infiltration (the standard procedure for ANY problem amongst racetrack-vets here).I really don't want to do anything invasive, if there is another way. Would specific exercise help,and if so, what? Driving, riding, lungeline?
I'd appreciate any help, since he is such a nice and lively little horse with a great sense of humor and has, when not locking, about a thousand legs:-)
Thank You in advance for any input.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 8:05 am:

Welcome Robert,
Usually when a member starts a new post in the proper topic, I assume they have read the article associated with their question. However your post suggests you might not have as your questions are discussed there. You may be just looking for others experiences, which is fine of course, but just thought I would give you a head's up just in case.
DrO
New Member:
Italia

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 6:56 pm:

Hello Dr.O,
I have now read everything posted regarding the problem, and found some suggestions on how to work the horse. But I didn't find anything about the possibility of driving the horse in a trot, since mine is a Trotter and trained in the Sulky. Would that be a good workout or would You suggest under-saddle work, like over poles/Cavaletti.Or even both? How fast could we go (he has a lot of Go in him), and for how long per day. I read twice a day for 20 minutes each time? Regarding his body condition, he is perfect now, is never still in his paddock, and being a Trotter, he works of the hind end anyway. According to his former owner, his "motor" is too much for his front end, he can't come far enough out of the shoulder to keep up with the push from behind.
I also saw in some posts that cold might have a negative effect also, shouldn't it be beneficial then to do some warming rubs on and around the joint to increase circulation apart from exercising as much as possible during the colder months?
Sorry for being such a, as my wife calls it, Nerve-Saw, but Veterinary Science here in Italy is not as far advanced yet as in the US.
Robert
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Aug 17, 2006 - 8:26 am:

The problem is you are looking for a concrete stance when all you have is a sandy base. UFP is a very variable disease. No one can predict how your horse is going to react to a particular exercise done at a particular speed. Any exercise that can be instituted that does not exacerbate the problem while being done is fine Robert. You will have to take it slow at first to see what happens then build on success. Message around the joint might help and worth trying.
DrO
New Member:
italia

Posted on Thursday, Dec 13, 2007 - 5:29 pm:

Hello Dr. O,
I am happy to report good news on my little trotter with UFP. I have been trying anything non-invasive to help him with his problem, but with mixed results. He kept locking up from time to time, usually after about three weeks of having his feet done (unshod, square toe). The massageing helped when he was inside more during the colder months. About five months ago I changed farriers. He used to be trimmed by a (you guessed it) trotter specialist before. This new farrier does mostly riding horses, but has done trotters before. I told him the problem and he trimmed Fosco's hind feet short and more upright, with a nice brakeover. And he has not locked up since! Not even after 6 weeks of having feet done. I am very glad that it was just this simple adjustment that was needed.
Robert
Member:
frances

Posted on Friday, Dec 14, 2007 - 4:17 am:

It's so great to hear of problems completely solved in a practical and non-invasive way! Very good news, and fingers crossed that correct trimming continues to be the lasting solution to your horse's problem.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Dec 14, 2007 - 7:35 am:

That is excellent Robert and serves as a reminder to others that just this simple change can often help, for more on this see the article.
DrO
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