from the paddock.Initially nonsterioal antiinflammatory drugs were administered; flunixin meglumine ,then phenylbutazone (bute) and Acepromazine( ACP) the following days. The feet were X rayed. There was minimal rotation, but more sinking of the pedal bone; the pronounced depression at the coronary border in both front feet also indicated this. She had been taken off the grass and given soft sand to stand on which eased her discomfort.

Farriery treatment: To minimise discomfort the overgrown feet were
individually and shod trimmed to correct proportions, taking reference from the radiographs. The foot bearing weight had a towel folded under it to make it more bearable to stand on. The fit of the shoe was positioned under the centre of the foot, with the apex of the frog plate
located forward of the centre of
articulation and moulded in contact with it on the upper side, and in contact with the ground on the ground surface (neutral loading). In the toe the shoe was deep seated to give complete elevation to this most
painful area. The hind feet were trimmed to proportions so that the frogs were in contact with the ground and the sole forward of the frog elevated (sole no longer weight bearing so relieving pressure)

Result: The mare was immediately
more comfortable, presumably
because now the circulation in the
sole could begin to function, and the
loading in the foot more evenly
distributed.

Owner: Vanessa Haines
Veterinary surgeon: Annie Bevins

Visit: 1 Condition: Acute Laminitis, Sinker (severe detachment - whole of lower limb detaching not just at toe)
Date: 18/05/05
Materials: Imprint Therapeutic shoes x 1 pair, surgical spirit, Imprint Adhesive, Imprint Shoe Freezer
Report: The pony had become
acutely lame a couple of days earlier from a high carbohydrate overload, having been turned out on lush grass pasture, so was barely able to walk. There was a pronounced depression at the coronary border in both front feet.

Veterinary treatment: The veterinary surgeon, administered

Visit: 2

Date: 30/06/05
Interval: 6 weeks
Materials: As first visit
Report: The mare was significantly improved. She bucked and kicked around in the sand when trying to catch her. On palpation the soles were soft and thin.

Visit:  3
Date: 09/08/2005
Interval: 6 weeks
Materials: As previously
Report: The pony had grown a lot of foot, and within the last few days had become quite uncomfortable. She was kept in an open field shelter with a wood shaving bed and an area
approximately six metres square of soft deep sand. The soles of her feet were palpated; they were extremely soft.

blood and a new soft sole
developing. This was evidential of what had happened more than 13 weeks previously. The flange on the shoe was divided and plenty of clearance of the sole was afforded leaving room for the sole and the dorsal fringe (toe) to drain. All four feet were affected similarly, but most severely in the front feet. Medicated cotton wool dressings were applied to soles of both front feet and bandaged. These were to be changed every 48 hours or as required until such time as the soles were dry and hardened and to prevent sand and wood shavings from contaminating the area.

Result: The pony was significantly
more comfortable after the feet had
been trimmed and re-balanced.
Prognosis was fairly optimistic.

Visit: 4

Date: 21/09/05
Interval: 6 weeks
Materials: As previously
Report: There was still approximately half the hoof to regenerate, despite this the mare was showing no signs of lameness, when wearing the shoes. The new soles were still thin and on palpation were sensitive. The shoes were still essential to give support to the feet via the frog, and to elevate and protect the still delicate soles as it takes months for the feet to regenerate a complete hoof wall around the toe.

Farriery treatment: Approximately 7mm of heel was removed and thorough debridement of feet was carried out. Previous visits procedure repeated in all four feet.

Reproduced by kind permission © 2006 Horse Health Magazine