Posted by Erica on April 13, 2003 at 15:25:38:
In Reply to: Re: Sand crack posted by Danvers on March 31, 2003 at 10:33:20:
: : My mare has a sand crack on her off fore running from the coronary band to the toe. Can anyone tell me if they have used natural balance shoes as a method of remedying this type of problem to relive pressure at the toe. It was started by a thorn through the coronary band and we have tried most of the usual methods. She has not been ridden for 6months and was on light exercise before that for 3months. I have read some of the other messages with interest and we have not tried recessing the hoof on either side of the crack so that there is no contact with the shoe. My biggest problem is that the mare cannot be shut in as she gets claustrophobia and will do more damage.
: : I would be interested to hear any views on my query.
: : Erica
: Given that this crack originated from an insult to the coronary band, the extent to which it can be repaired or normalized will depend upon what kind of damage was done to the coronary corium. If there is scar tissue or disruption in this generative area, it will influence and disrupt any new growth. To that end, you may be dealing with a veterinary issue as well as a farrier issue.
: Relieving or recessing the area under the crack is generally one of the more common or usual approaches taken by farriers to repair such cracks, so it would be interesting to hear what "usual methods" have been attempted.
: A Natural Balance Shoe won't fix the crack. No appliance will fix the crack. A properly applied natural balance shoe may well prove helpful. Likewise, a properly applied straight bar shoe may prove useful. The key is in the application and the ability to properly balance the hoof capsule to maximize supportive structures and minimize movement along the fissure.
: ~~Danvers
The 'usual methods' I referred to were staples to stabalise the crack and a straight bar shoe spead the pressure. Both the vet and the farrier have been in consultation over the foot. The mare is still not lame and when the vet saw her last week he felt that doing any kind of surgery was not going to help on this occassion. The farrier has cleaned out the crack and put on the natural balance shoe and this seems to have had the most impact on stabalising the crack.
Time will tell and hopefully the dry weaher will help. Thanks for the advice.
Erica