Lameness
Not all lameness issues are caused by hoof problems, but in some cases, an unbalanced or damaged hoof can cause considerable discomfort and harm to the horse. Under-run or contracted heels or over-long toes, for example, can cause pain, not only in the affected foot, but also in other parts of the body which are forced to work to compensate for the hoof imbalance. So there are cases (not all) where balanced trimming can, over time, alleviate lameness and muscle or joint pain. The aim with a balanced trim is to provide the most mechanically and physiologically advantageous configuration possible so that the hoof can grow in such a way as to optimize the natural weight-bearing function of the foot, both at rest and in movement, always keeping in mind that is not the trim which creates a healthy foot - the horse grows a healthy foot, and the role of trimming is to simply allow this to happen.
Mild laminitis can often resolve quickly, but in serious cases it may take a year or more for a laminitic hoof to regain health and soundness. Susceptible horses should be kept well-trimmed at all times, as over-long toes will always exacerbate the discomfort and damage of laminitis. (In some cases, over-long toes alone can cause mechanical laminitis.) For a horse in an acute phase, frequent trimming (every two weeks or so) is often indicated, as well as the use of temporary padding under the horse's foot to provide comfort and pain relief. A healthy hoof, with a robust digital cushion, strong frog and short toes, will sometimes be able to remain sound through an attack of laminitis, although abscesses can be an effect of laminitis even in a strong foot.
Heel pain can be an intractable problem. Regular trimming and lots of turnout on rough ground are the best long-term remedies.
If your horse has damaged feet but has slow-growing hoofs, you might want to look at the various nutritional supplements on the market which help hoof growth.
This website has a good overview of laminitis:
http://www.iaath.com/naturalapproachtolaminitis.htm
Sometimes a horse like this will mistakenly be called "foundered", but often this condition is simply the result of overgrowth over a long period of time ....
Mild laminitis can often resolve quickly, but in serious cases it may take a year or more for a laminitic hoof to regain health and soundness. Susceptible horses should be kept well-trimmed at all times, as over-long toes will always exacerbate the discomfort and damage of laminitis. (In some cases, over-long toes alone can cause mechanical laminitis.) For a horse in an acute phase, frequent trimming (every two weeks or so) is often indicated, as well as the use of temporary padding under the horse's foot to provide comfort and pain relief. A healthy hoof, with a robust digital cushion, strong frog and short toes, will sometimes be able to remain sound through an attack of laminitis, although abscesses can be an effect of laminitis even in a strong foot.
Heel pain can be an intractable problem. Regular trimming and lots of turnout on rough ground are the best long-term remedies.
If your horse has damaged feet but has slow-growing hoofs, you might want to look at the various nutritional supplements on the market which help hoof growth.
This website has a good overview of laminitis:
http://www.iaath.com/naturalapproachtolaminitis.htm
Sometimes a horse like this will mistakenly be called "foundered", but often this condition is simply the result of overgrowth over a long period of time ....
Miniature horse before first trim.
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Same horse after trim - still a ways to go. Feet like this can't be set to rights overnight!
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