Posted by sharon on December 18, 2003 at 10:24:49:
In Reply to: Re: shoe size posted by John Barney on December 18, 2003 at 09:35:47:
: : : : : : I have a question. I have a gelding who has had sore front feet off and on for a while. It is worse after shoeing. We know it is soft tissue inflammation in the heel region, but we aren't sure what the cause is. After a few weeks he gradually goes back to normal, or close to it. He has a high foot and a low foot. The low foot is the sore one. I am not sure if this is a clue or not, so I need an expert to help me out. He abcessed in his left front foot, so we pulled the shoe. He has been barefoot on that foot for five weeks. (He is on stall rest for a bowed tendon in the other leg) When the farrier came she said he took a size 3 1/2 shoe on that side, but she'd have him back to a 0 or 1 in a few shoeings. He has been wearing a 0 or 1. She said his foot spread out wider while barefoot (interesting because he was sure not weight bearing on it for the bulk of the time). Is it normal for a barefoot horse to gain that many shoe sizes in five weeks? If it is not, is this diagnostic of anything? This is a 15.3 hand horse with big bones. Would it be normal to wear a size 0 or 1 shoe? He is an arabian, but a big one. Thank you!! Sharon (new here)
: : : : : I'm not trying to sound like I'm slamming the farrier, but why did he/she remove one shoe? Also why does this horse have a bowed tendon? I always remove or apply shoes in pairs, it affects the weight and balance of the legs. I have a large boned Arabian myself and he uses size 0 shoes.A 31/2 seems rather large to me to develop in such a short time as you describe. I think your farrier should explain the reason and action taken. He or she can see it first hand.
: : : : : JB
: : : : The bow happened when we put equi-paks on him. He felt so good he played extra hard. He was not in good shape because he had already been resting from bruising. One vet who saw him for the bruising said he needs more hoof mass, but I have heard so many different things I don't know what is right anymore. Could the fact that he took a size 3 1/2 shoe after being barefoot for five weeks be supporting that theory? The vet did not suggest removing the other shoe, probably because she thought I'd have this one put back on sooner. I procrastinated because I did not want to hit him with a hammer knowing how sore it makes him. THANK YOU for your advice! I have been going around and around in circles here. Can you think of anything else that could be going on here? We have done blocks to rule out anything to do with the coffin joint or navicluar. I am confident it is soft tissue, but what and why?
: : : I think a hoof is predetermined to be a certain size based on the white line. Deformities can alter this but it will show in the growth. Also club foot,wry hoof, and laminitis will change the appearence but this usally takes time. Such a drastic growth seems odd. I would think trimming to the sole plane and and the heels at the widest part of the frog you would see what the hoof really is. Is it symetrical (is the white line the same around the hoof) or is the excess flares (non-symetrical to the hoof). By more mass the vet may mean not to trim any more than absolutely neccessary from the sole of the foot. Also have hoof testers been used? Any new cracks or splits, etc.? I hope this will help somewhat you sound like you really care for your horse. Maybe someone else can jump in as well.
: : : JB
: : Hoof testers have been used. The pain is on the side of his hoof closest to the inside. He really cringes when he is being shod. No cracks or splits. X-rays don't show anything significant, but something there hurts him, that is for sure. A full heel block and he is sound. Block just the coffin/navicular area and he is still lame. I am up for any suggestions! Thank you very much! I do love my horse to pieces! Sharon
:
: Sharon,
: It seems like you have tried some different things. X-rays will normally show a infection, a thorn or wire/nail which has penetrated. With soft tissue swelling it could be infected corns (I would think this would be apparent when trimming)the seat of corn is in the very corner of the heels and bars. It should be cleaned and pared alittle each time. I am still curious about the shoe size. I've had horses with different sizes but not that drastic. You might consider a online consult with DR. Meyers on this site. I'm not sure of the price but he is very knowledgeable in equine medicine. You could send pictures to the website manager Baron to be posted. It would help also.
: JB
Thank you! My biggest question at this point is does the shoe size give validity to the idea that he needs more hoof mass. Have we been making his feet too small, not giving the sensitive areas of his foot the area surrounding it that it needs to be protected?