Posted by Dave Purves CF on February 20, 2004 at 12:18:14:
In Reply to: Re: second hoof?! posted by Charlene on February 19, 2004 at 07:20:32:
: : : Our almost 6 year old percheron stud is developing what appears to be a second layer of hoof growing over all of his hooves. He is a work horse (well worked work horse) on the farm and has never been shoed. We've never had any problems with this before today so we were concerned. It doesn't appear to be founder and we know he isn't over grained though we are weary at times of the hay our folks are putting out for them while we are away (they tend to give the good hay to their precious sheep instead), could this effect the hooves in such a way?
: : While poor quality feet can definately affect the quality of the hoof horn and the rate of growth, it sounds as though your horse just has a layer of non-exfoliated old sole(if you were referring to the bottom of the foot). If you were referring to growth on the outer wall, then I am not sure what is going on. When was the last time this horse had its feet trimmed? By whom? How long has this condition been going on? Have you consulted anyone else(vet, farrier, etc) regarding the issue? If so, what was the response? If not, why not?
: : Rick
: ::::: It's growing above the outer wall on the very top of the hoof. It looks almost like when a person gets a fungus on the toe and a second toenail forms overtop the old one. It was just noticed the day I put this message up. My husband works these horses at least once a week and they have their feet well taken care of and trimmed regularly. The problem is that he IS the local farrier and he hasn't a clue what this is. I'd have him post these messages but he's so busy on the farm it's rare to get a moment to ask him to share with a computer. The vet lives down the road but let's face it- he's a dog and cat vet and this is a population 100 town.
Charlene
I recently saw a picture of something similar to what you are describing, the horse lived in South America I believe and was bitten by a poisonous spider on the coronary band. They mentioned nothing of treatment or the outlook for the horse but this maybe the cause. If it is you maybe able to administer something for the bite. I really don't know what else to say except good luck.
Dave