|
|
Discussion on Should I worry about open crack at toe?
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Annes
|
Posted on Wednesday, Apr 26, 2006 - 5:57 pm:
Background: My barefoot horse had shoes put on the front 10 weeks ago because a crack at the toe would not resolve with regular trimming. The crack was pared out and left a quarter size hole. The farrier also plugged the hole with a hoof repair product to protect it. The hoof is growing out nicely and at 7 weeks was shoed again with hole plugged again. (The hole is now dime sized.) The plug fell out after 3 weeks this time. Now the farrier is out of the repair product and said he didn't think it was necessary to plug again and told me to wash it out with betadine 2x a day. I tried wrapping his foot with vet wrap and duct tape but the shoe just cuts right through the wrapping. (I have wrapped barefoot horses this way before which stayed on.) Should I worry about infection getting into the hoof or does everyone think it is ok to leave it open? Thanks for any advice...maybe I am worrying too much about this.
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Thursday, Apr 27, 2006 - 7:43 am:
No infection is not likely to be a problem, in fact covering the hole with a patch is more likely to result in infection. The important question is, "have you got the crack stable?". The most likely reason for the repair to fall out is the crack is expanding and contracting.
DrO
|
Member:
Annes
|
Posted on Thursday, Apr 27, 2006 - 11:51 am:
The wet weather we are having probably contributed to the expansion. (I am keeping him away from the pond.) I brush dirt out of the hole 2x a day and then pour the betadyne on it. The shoe is holding well. I will continue what I am doing and not worry about wrapping. Thanks so much DrO.
|
Member:
Erika
|
Posted on Thursday, Apr 27, 2006 - 4:28 pm:
Dr. O, one of my horses has the same problem. We keep paring it out, but the crack continues. How does one stabilize it? She did have shoes on for a while, but didn't seem to help. "Barefoot" trimmer said take the shoes off. It never gets worse, but no better either.
Thank you.
|
Member:
Imogen
|
Posted on Friday, Apr 28, 2006 - 2:13 am:
Some horses just have hooves that do this when shod in my experience although it happens more in dry weather than wet...
I have never had a problem with these type of cracks, have ridden such a horse for years with no problem. You DO need a good farrier who adjusts the shoes properly, makes sure the toe clip in front is properly positioned in relation to the crack etc.
Best wishes
Imogen
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Friday, Apr 28, 2006 - 6:53 am:
Clips can be an important management tool and for other useful methods for stabilizing cracks see, Equine Diseases » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Poor Horn Quality: problems with the wall and soles.
DrO
|
|
|
