Posted by Kerry on May 06, 2003 at 18:30:24:
I recently acquired a 13yo mare as a broodmare and light trail use prospect. She had a history of undiagnosed lameness. When I purchased her she had just gotten a natural balance type trim (not sure of the specifics) for she had a long toe and underrun heel. I put her on a joint supplement and MSM. After about a month, including light riding 1-2 times per week, she was doing great! Almost sound. I gave her bute prior to riding, but she ran around the pasture sound as can be. I decided to put shoes on her so that I could use her for my 2nd horse on trails. Farrier noted heel pain in both fronts, worse on one than the other. Put aluminum eggbars, one wedged on fronts. Saw no change, kept occasionally riding. Now we are on our 2nd set of these shoes and she is doing horribly. Seems "ok" at walk, but not great, head bobbing and pointing toes dramatically at the trot. Still on supplements, bute helps alot.
I believe I read somewhere that as the foot is brought back into the proper balance it can actually make the lameness appear worse?? Her feet are also pretty soft right now (PNW). Maybe they weren't so soft before as she was stalled in shavings at night?? Does buting to ride actually worsen the underlying problem?
This is a sweet horse and I want her to feel good :(
Thanks for any help. BTW, vet has not been supportive of any treatment without doing extensive (read expensive) diagnostics first. We did a basic lameness exam on her and I will happily do nerve blocks if advised.
Kerry