Discussion on Frequently shedding frogs
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Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 537
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Nov 22, 2004 - 9:43 am: |   |
DrO and all,
My 7mo colt is now shedding his frogs (all four) for the third time.
His hooves are excellent, no sign of thrush or other abnormality.
His mother was shedding her frogs, may be twice a year, but this is getting too much.
This is not a problem, actually, as he doesn't even seem to be tender in his hooves when the new frog is exposed. It just puzzles me.
Has anybody seen something like this? |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 11547
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, Nov 23, 2004 - 8:35 am: | |
Though some horses do this periodically you can also associate some episodes with febrile events or remarkable changes in season, feed or environment. Though I have never seen any research on this I believe the event represents a "discontinuity of horn formation" where for a time the corium does not form new horn then starts up again. It is a more common event in growing babies because they see so much change their first year.
DrO |
Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 538
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, Nov 23, 2004 - 3:22 pm: | |
Thanks for your response, DrO.
He's rather regular with this, every two months or so.
I do not think it is trigerred by fever, as his temperature is monitored almost daily.
And his environment, feed, routine and all, had no remarkable changes that I can think of.
Wouldn't a disturbance in the corium function affect the wall or the sole as well?
He's not shedding any sole and his hoof walls are smooth and shiny, no rings and such.
Anyway, it is not such a big deal, I may even say I kind of like the idea of these new spare parts now and then.
Thanks again,
Christos |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 11553
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004 - 6:31 am: | |
Maybe the continuous stimulation of the thermometer is having an effect on horn production  ?
You would think that the discontinuity of the horn would be reflected elsewhere, but there you have it right in front of you. I agree with you that this is not a big deal and I suspect will slow as the foal matures.
DrO |
Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 539
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004 - 1:15 pm: | |
Thanks, DrO
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