![]() This then leads to changes in hoof mechanics and compensation in movement. By the time the infection has gotten to this point, there is usually tenderness in the back of the foot, and the frog is no longer healthy enough to weight bare comfortably. ![]() Thrush is one of those nasty hoof problems that doesn’t seem like a big deal, until you find a horrid smell and gooey frogs while picking out your horse’s feet. The stretched white line becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, so good hygiene will insure a quicker recovery as your farrier removes the old separation with each trim. This will help eliminate inflammation within the hooves that can cause separation of laminae in the white line.Īdditionally, follow the same protocol for hoof soaking and nutritional balance that we covered above with cracks. Take a close look at your horse’s diet for sugar and carbohydrates, and cut these out wherever possible. Treating a horse even though they seem sound and show no other symptoms of laminitis besides this separation is the best way to prevent further damage. Separation in the white line is considered subclinical laminitis. Some of the crucial nutrients essential to healthy growth include Zinc, Calcium, Selenium, Sulphur, Silica, Biotin, and Vitamin A. Balance his nutrient needs by testing the hay and then adding an appropriate mineral and vitamin supplement to provide him with the building blocks necessary for growing stronger hooves. Surface cracks tend to be a sign that your horse is missing something in his diet. It only effects the most outer part of the wall, and can usually be sanded away or filed using the fine side of a rasp. The second type of crack that affects the hoof wall is considered a surface crack. Treatment included hoof soaking and trimming every four weeks. Second photo is of the same hoof nine months later. Other soaking treatments include White Lightning, Clean Trax, or Epsom salts.įirst photo is of a left hind hoof with severe crack and wall separation. Then continue to spray the crack with this mix every few days until the crack is grown out. Soaking the hoof in ¾ apple cider vinegar and ¼ water for 15-30 minutes every day or two for a couple of weeks will effectively cleanse the crack and kill anything hiding within the wall. Once infected, some cracks can continue to wreak havoc even with the best farrier care.īeat the crack by treating it between farrier visits. Cracks become nesting grounds for fungus and bacteria. ![]() This type of pressure crack usually occurs through the entire wall thickness and can be seen when you pick up your horse’s foot. Pressure points caused by mechanical imbalances in the hoof wall can cause cracks to continue or worsen over time. Let’s begin with the assumption that you have a farrier who sets your horse up with balanced feet at each visit. Your farrier will appreciate your dedication to making their job easier, and your horse will thank you for helping him move with more comfort and confidence. Here are a few simple hoof care solutions you can add to your routine to combat specific challenges that your horse is up against. However, some hoof conditions are side effects of environmental and nutritional issues that can be cleared up with some strategic care. There is a lot of pressure on farriers to have all of the answers to hoof related questions, and rightfully so. These can be signs of hooves that are not at optimum health, and could use a little bit of extra attention between your farrier visits. Then there’s the tender footed horse that tiptoes around the gravel on the driveway, or the otherwise easy going gelding that won’t stand to have his hooves picked out. ![]() Have you ever racked your brain about how to get rid of that crack that never seems to grow out of your horse’s hoof? A toe crack that sticks around for months or years is a sign that something is not functioning properly in the hoof.
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