Posted by deb in NC on June 16, 2003 at 16:08:44:
My 10 yr old Appy gelding has a very slight vertical crack on a front hoof. Two weeks ago he had an abcess that came out at the coronet band and caused a horizontal opening about 1/2" wide that runs into the vertical crack. At no time has my horse shown any sign of lameness. My concern is that the vertical crack appears to be getting worse (wider)at the top of the hoof. The horse has front shoes. My farrier is coming out in a few days and he said something about rasping the opening to get air in the hole (it opens, closes, opens). I am just so worried about his hoof already being weakened and this would seem to make it worse. How worried should I be? Is this a good/bad thing to do?
Also, should I quit riding him until it is completely healed?
Would appreciate any input, deb
I have no current pictures, but pictures taken 5/30/03 can be seen at:
http://community.webshots.com/album/74963496YidbMU