| DUSTY |  |
| BREED | : | Unknown |
| AGE | : | 19 years old |
| HEIGHT | : | 15 hh |
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COMMENTS
Dusty was in a very unhealthy condition, so consistent and gentle trimming was recommended. The hoof horn was extremely thin, and she had very upward growth. Both infrequent and incorrectly applied trimming techniques have been completed which has resulted in many problems. The after photos do not show a perfect hoof, however the hooves are well on their way to becoming strong, healthy and well functioning. |
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Before 1st Corrective Trim
Right Front - Side View
07.04.08 |
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After 1st Corrective Trim
Right Front - Side View
07.04.08 |
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Before 1st Corrective Trim
Right Front - Underneath View
07.04.08 |
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After 1st Corrective Trim
Right Front - Underneath View
07.04.08 |
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High heels - observation
The heels are too high, which promotes a toe first landing. This inhibits extension of joints in the limb, places stress on the tendons and ligaments, and incorrectly distributes weight onto the front area of the hoof - an area not designed to incur such extreme force. (yellow arrows)
Action taken
By lowering the heel height as much as possible, the weight is more correctly distributed which promotes a heel strike. This results in the correct utilisation of shock absorption structures, expansion of the hoof and also extension of the limb.
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Long toes - observation
The toes are too long from either incorrect or infrequent trimming. Break over becomes difficult and excess force is placed on the toe area of the hoof resulting in compromised wall/laminar connection.
Action taken
The excess toe has been removed as much as possible and a mustang roll applied according to the thickness of hoof wall. Leverage forces are removed, thus facilitating a tight wall/laminar connection.
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Splits and chips - observation
The splits, chips, cracks and breakages have occurred due to a combination of factors - usually poor hoof horn along with either infrequent or incorrect trimming. (turquoise arrows)
Action taken
The splits, chips, cracks and breakages have been removed as much as possible. With consistent and correct trimming these will not reoccur.
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Coronet band - observation
Note the angle of the coronet band - it is almost ground parallel which indicates excessive weight bearing force is centred on the toe area rather than the heel.
Action taken
Immediately following this trim, the coronet angle is now improved.
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Black thrush - observation
Little or no contact of the sole with the ground has prevented it from exfoliating naturally. This has caused a build up of dead tissue which has been invaded by bacteria/fungi, giving the affected area a blackish appearance on the surface. When partially removed, a crumbly white interior is revealed. (orange dotted circles)
Action taken
With the cause of the problem removed along with all dead tissue - stimulation by ground contact will prevent this from reoccurring.
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Thin hoof walls - observation
Thin hoof walls can originate from a number of causes, and are often an indication that the hoof is not functioning as nature has designed. Often genetic tendencies are blamed for thin hoof walls, but it is more often the practice of shoeing, incorrect trimming or lack of exercise which has created hoof dysfunction, and therefore can be corrected very easily over time with owner commitment.
Action taken
With frequent correct barefoot trimming, along with plenty of exercise on hard, flat surfaces, hoof walls will become thick and healthy.
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Frog contracted - observation
No ground stimulation has contributed to atrophy and contraction of the frog and heel bulbs. The force of impact is diverted to other areas which are not designed as shock absorbing structures.
Action taken
Removal of the cause encourages the hoof to function correctly, thereby activating long unused parts of the hoof. Over time the frog and heel bulbs will open out, expand and become functional shock absorbing structures of the hoof.
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