|
|
Discussion on Hoof pads
|
| Author |
Message |
New Member:
Chlobro
|
Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 10:54 am:
I am a new horse leaser and live in honduras. There is 1 vet in the country and only 1 trainer for miles. I have been told that my frequently lame (front legs ) horse has soft flat feet. They have now welded 2 shoes together to make and oval and sanded down a piece of tire tread and nailed that to the shoe and nailed the shoe to the hoof so that pad is sandwiched between hoof and shoe. It is almost 1/2 " thick. Will this tx predispose him to fungal problems since his sole is covered. and it appears that water dirt can get in at back of shoe. A groom said I should force water in there after each ride . This sounds like a way to ensure trapping moisture against the sole. Maybe I should sqirt in some betadine 1x /wk What do you guys think?
|
Member:
Brandi
|
Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 9:10 pm:
Holly,
I'm no expert, but have spent many years having horses with all sorts of pads--though none as creative as what you've got. Not only can the dirt and water predispose to thrush, etc., if dirt gets packed in there, it will only put more pressure on the sole of the foot, and make things worse. If you can force water in to clean out the dirt, then following it up with betadine sounds like a reasonable, and do-able precaution. You might use something stronger if you have access to it, like a trush-buster or similar. Cutting a small hole in the pad (before it gets applied) may help, but you would still be advised to clean it out keep it as dry as possible.
That's my opinion. Good luck.
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 6:26 am:
If you can keep this area clean without the water great but if this is the only way to dislodge dirt and mud, it is better to keep it clean. Brandi's suggestions are reasonable. The important thing after cleaning is the horse be returned to a clean dry place to allow rapid drying.
DrO
|
Member:
Mrose
|
Posted on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 11:34 am:
I've used pads for various reasons, but the hoof was always packed by the farrier and sealed with what looks like caulking to keep the hoof clean. I'd just try and keep the hoof clean best you can.
|
|
|
