Posted by M. W. Myers, D.V.M. on June 06, 2004 at 23:19:18:
In Reply to: Re: Strasser Method Question?/ Navicular posted by Tracy Raffaele on June 04, 2004 at 01:44:07:
: : : Rick writes:
: : : : Many of us have done the "research" such as it is. We(I) find it interesting how you and the rest of the acolytes have bought into the Strasser franchise without doing your own research. Strasser's protocol has been repeatedly debunked. Her theories are outdated, erroneous, and when put into practice cause pain, suffering and damage to the horse. Her ability to convince a willing following that hers is the only way, continually places her in the running, and often winning , the Phineas award.
: : : (Please post this research Rick showing Dr Strasser is incorrect. Start with her most basic premise the 30 degree hairline, where is it researched and proven that this is incorrect?)
: :
: : : Rick wrote:
: : : : Also, regarding your contention that appropriately (my word) raising the heels further reduces circulation, it would seem that this should be relatively easy to ascertain. Have you, any other strasserite, or F. Strasser herself, undertaken this research? If so, what were the results and where are they published? If not, why not?
: : : (http://www.thehorse.com/news.asp?fid+4249)
: : : "Because heel perfusion results from multiple sources and is plamer in origin, pathologic conditions of the foot seldom affect the appearance of heel vasculature. However, lateral radiographs will show compromised bloodflow to a normal heel loaded by wedge pads. Raising the heel ten degrees significantly reduces the vascular fill in the palmar vessels and compresses the frog and sole papillae."
: : : "Medial/lateral imbalance of the foot is apparent on the DP view. Horses with a jammed ( proximally displaced ) medial coronary band often have reduced fill on the medial coronary plexus when compared to the lateral plexus. This effect is exaggerated when a foot is wedged medially or laterally."
: : : Interpreting Venograms and Artifacts
: : : 4/03 Amy Rucker DVM
: : : I suppose though that if you had raised the heels yourself it would not have caused damage or reduced blood flow?
: : : TE
: :
: : Wow, this is a perfect example of there being no reality, only perception. One person percieves a 30 degree hairline to be perfect for all horses, I percieve that every individual horse is different and many times each leg and foot is different how could one ideal work for all horses? That is like saying that a man 6 foot tall should wear a size 11 shoe, if he doesn't then we must make it fit. The one and only problem I have with Strasser is that she does not take into account each individual hoof and leg, she set a protocal for the masses to follow and with some simple measurements and a vague idea of anatomy they are turned loose. Not all horses are the same, and cannot be trimmed the same. You will have your successes and I congratulate you for them, but I fear you will have more failures than successes for no other reason than you have only one way you can trim a horse, one protocal the holy grail of trimming and unless I'm mistaken you are not in any form allowed to deviate from that pattern. I have many tools in my box which include information I've received about perimeter fit, Natural Balance, Strasser, countless books and articles all of which I bring into play with every horse barefoot or not. You have only one tool what if that tool breaks, where do you go from there.
: : Dave
: Dave,
: That is a total misconception. Every hoof on every horse is different. However the 30 degree rule still applies. I stated before that in nature EVERY hooved animal has a 30 degree hairline, Dr. Strasser had a mathematition work on the problem and he concluded that there is only equal suspension of the coffin bone with a 30 degree hairline. Also in physicics 30 degrees is the optimal angle for shock absorption. Even 1 or 2 degrees off starts the overloading of the frontal lamina.
: She originally started with higher heels and discovered that it just did not work. And we have an amazing amount of options at our disposal. This comes from the extensive education recieved during the course. And each year it increases. :)
: Tracy
What animals did you observe to have a 30 degree hairline? It would only seem logical that other hooved species could have differing angles dependent on their evolutionary niche. I imagine that Dr. Redden and Gene Ovnicek observed a variety of angles in feral horses. In the last Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium a wide variety of variations on hoof structure of feral horses were presented. Is Dr. Strasser saying that she knows better than Mother Nature (which is where I thought bare footers were going)?
Is the mathematician aware that shock absorption in the equine has far more than just angle to engage? Is he aware that the slide of the hoof is an integral part of the absorptive mechanism? The three dimension structure of the hoof and its intricate internal mechanisms have yet to be fully worked out by far more sophisticated computer scientists than Dr. Strasser's mathematician.
It appears that while you feel your education increases, Dr. Strasser's does not.
I'm afraid I still can't justify applying a Strasser trim to my show Saddlebreds and Hackney ponies. They just won't be competitive. You are certainly welcome to try it and jump in the ring with us.
M. W. Myers, D.V.M.