Posted by Patty Stiller on May 16, 2000 at 23:19:39:
In Reply to: paso fino posted by Jill G. on May 13, 2000 at 05:37:02:
: I just recently was bale to determine that my gelding is a paso fino or paso fino cross-he has been barefoot in back for about 1 week and has really doen a good job of squaring his toes, which were way too long ,and has broken out in the quarters- his feet look like they expand with every step and he is more comfortable in the back than he has been in 9 months!I have contacted a farrier that follows natural balance theory- , but I don't know if my horse should be barefoot all around as he has symptoms of DSLD in front bilaterally.
: WIll barefoot or NB or EDSS be best?
For those who ar not familiar,DSLD is a degenrerative suspensory ligament desmitis). If he is more comfortable right now barefoot, I would go with that.Keep the heels trimmed back and the toes rockered with the rasp if he doesn't do it himself. BUT, if you think he suspensory ligaments need a bit extra support due to their condition or the work load, then I think the Natural balance shoes would be great because 1) the heels of the foot will be trimmed back to where they need be,which helps the frog support the internal structures of the foot, and the suspensory will be properly sharing the fetlock load with the superficial flexor tendon.
And, then a shoe size can be chosen that extends the heels of the shoe back to at least the rear of the central sulci of the frog, which will also support the ligament more .So, you will hve to make thew call depending on the horse's work load. I would also advse that if you don't have a definitive diagnosis of DSLD you get an untrasound exam to see more clearly what condition the ligament is in. Patty