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Trimming

Hoof Problems

Horse hooves have some pathological problems that are now relieved through the barefoot trim. Some major problems that I have personally assisted by applying the barefoot trim include cracks, underrun/overgrown hooves, laminitis/founder, and thrush/fungus ridden hooves. By removing shoes and applying the basic philosophies of the barefoot trim can help show improvement in a short amount of time. No extra hoof devices need to be applied to the hoof to help these aliments. Through proper trimming and time the hoof can be restored to a natural state and achieve soundness.

Cracks/injuries to the coronet band

Sometimes hooves have unique pathologies that need extra attention paid to them in order to keep the horse comfortable and sound. Barb wire cuts, injuries and other deformities may cause lifelong cracks of the hoof wall that have to be monitored and trimmed in a way that doesn't exaserbate the crack anymore. Trimming in a way that makes the pressure on the area less and actually makes the wall passive to the ground will help with the continuous spreading of the crack. There is no need for shoes to help with this problem, just careful maintenance and possibly more frequent trims. In some cases the crack may resolve on its own and start to grow in connected if treated correctly.

Underrun/overgrown hooves

Underrun hooves are a condition that happens when the heel of the foot is allowed to grow forward caused by either hoof neglect or not trimming the heels of the hoof until the heel becomes crushed and runs forward.

This condition is remedied by bringing the toe back by rasping from the top back to the white line and ever so slightly rasping the heels to ask the hoof to start growing the heel in straighter. The heel can not be trimmed off in one fail swoop but rather brought back in stages over a period of trims. As the toe is brought back, the break over is changed and the foot begins to grow in at a more natural angle. The sole is left entirely alone. In some underrun hooves, there will be a false sole. Do not be tempted to remove it before it is ready to exfoliate on its own. Just continue bringing back the toe and tidying up the heels and the foot will restore itself over time.

Laminitis/founder

This is a condition that could require a website all its own. I have personally trimmed a mare who suffered from 20 degree rotation and penetration in both front feet. Her condition was exacerbated by the fact she was insulin resistant and the excess sugar in her system caused her body to shut down. Her feet were actually improving until the new spring grass grew in her pasture caused her to re-founder.

In a foundered horse, no shoes should be applied. The horse should be stabilized by lowering the heels and bringing back the toes just as in a normal trim situation. The horse should also be padded and made comfortable. Do not force the horse to walk on its diseased hooves; this will only add to the damage already being caused by the inflamed laminae. Rotation and founder of the coffin bone put the coffin bone in a position that is no longer parallel to the ground. X-rays should be taken to see the amount of rotation and determine the amount of heel that can safely be removed to help reposition the coffin bone. New laminae connection starts at the coronet band after the damage has already been done. A whole new hoof will have to be regrown which takes anywhere from 9-12 months for one entire hoof cycle. Frequent trims (once a week) to bring the toes back and keep the foot balanced.

The foot should also be soaked during this period since it is normal for abscessing to occur that is ridding the hoof of the necrotic material. Apple cider vinegar (un-pasteurized) is used to soak the hoof since it has a neutral pH and does not damage healthy tissue.

And entire case study of Sunny can be found at Superhoof.org

Thrush/fungus

A new product called oxine (chlorine dioxide) is being used to soak hooves. This product kills all fungus and leaves healthy tissue alone. Thrush is often more abundant inside the hoof causing severe lameness that is often misdiagnosed as navicular or even laminitis. If the back of the foot and the central sulcus looks pinched then you can bet that your horse is suffering from thrush. The foot is either in conditions that are allowing thrush to thrive such as a wet muddy environment or an unclean stall or pasture or the heels of the hoof are not being trimmed low enough to allow for natural housekeeping of the frog through natural exfoliation and movement. Keeping the feet as clean as possible by picking out feet daily and also cleaning with Dawn dish washing soap weekly and rinsing thoroughly will often help horses avoid problems with thrush.

Click here to find out how to use oxine.