Posted by John Barney on June 15, 2003 at 10:58:22:
In Reply to: CRACKS posted by JESSICA HAHN on June 09, 2003 at 07:11:49:
: HI,
: I HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD PERCHERON MARE THAT HAS CRACKS IN ALL 4 OF HER HOOVES. THE CRACKS GO UP ABOUT AN INCH AND ALSO SOME CHIPPING HAS OCCURED. IS THERE ANY WAY TO STOP THIS? SHE DOES NOT HAVE SHOES ON HER RIGHT NOW. I HAVE A FARRIER COMING OUT THIS WEEK TO TAKE A LOOK AT HER BUT SHOULD I NOT DO ANY EXERCISE WITH HER UNTIL HE COMES OUT? IS THERE A POSSIBLITY OF HER GOING LAME AND IF SO WOULD IT BE A LIFE LONG THING OR JUST UNTIL THE HOOF GROWS OUT AGAIN? PLEASE HELP ME. I DONT WANNA LOOSE MY LITTLE GIRL. THANKS
What is the climate like where you are? If it is dry the cracks are due to low moisture content in the hoof. I like using hoof dressing to keep them moist. Some people will also flood their watering area so they get moisture when they drink. Usually these cracks are superficial and do cause lameness. I file a check line horizontally at the top of the crack. If it is dry where you are moisture for the feet won't hurt anything, without seeing the cracks I would say take it easy with her until your farrier can check it out.
JB