Posted by Todd King on September 17, 2001 at 16:31:13:
In Reply to: seeking other opinions on treatment for hoof slough posted by Denise McLain on September 17, 2001 at 14:02:29:
: Yesterday I did a trim on a 9 yo Arabian gelding that has not been trimmed since last May when it (supposedly) first foundered (approx 4 months ago). It had founderd to the point of sole penetration on all four. The horse has lost one hind hoof capsule and will lose the other hind capsule soon. The fronts appear to be slightly more stable but he will probably lose those too. I have sought-out some opinions on this horse regarding protection for the sloughed hoof but would appreciate other opinions. Also, how does one determine whether a hoof has gangrene? There is some blood supply to the sole corium on all four feet but the laminar corium seems to have no blood supply.
: Denise
:
Denise, if you can stabilize the hoof, then new hoof growth should begin underneath the sloughing hoof and help to provide a better foundation for the foot. I have had best luck with shoes, but knowing you don't use them, I don't know how to best advise getting them stabilized. I would say that if the foot is trimmed so that it is balanced and there is good support to the entire sole- including frog, then it may stabilize enough to begin the rebuilding process. As for gangrene, I would think that a competent vet should be able to recognize this and possibly treat if it isn't too advanced. If there is advanced gangrene, then there isn't likely much hope. While there may not appear to be blood supply to the laminar corium, I can assure you that there is some amount, and with the stabilization, it should greatly increase.
Todd