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More
and more forelimb lameness we see here at the clinic are being attributed
to foot imbalances. These imbalances occur due to a combination
of factors e.g. genetic make up, the work we require horses to perform
and the necessary evil of shoeing. I feel that these imbalances
could be prevented by monitoring the feet from a young age (e.g.
just prior to the first shoeing) by simple measurements and radiographs.
THE
FOOT PROGRAM
This is an annual assessment and simply involves a foot evaluation,
overall body assessment and 2 radiographs of both fore feet. A report
is then prepared for you and your farrier.
THE
FOOT PROGRAM
| OBJECTIVE |
IS
NOT |
| 1.
Assessment of size,shape,toe and heel length, approx.angles,
presence of wall flaring, sheared heels |
1.
Criticism of shoeing but helps in foot
management |
| 2.
Visual & radiographic baseline information that can be corrected
& assessed annually |
2.
A diagnosis of lameness. A full
lameness investigation is essential
for this |
| 3.
Alert owner/farrier/vet of any impending problem |
3.
An overall in-depth radiography
examination |
| 4.
Helpful in maintaining good working relationship between owner,farrier,vet |
|
| 5.
Helps farriers in correction of "problem" feet |
|
SOLAR
SURFACE
SHOULD APPEAR |
|
A=B
C=D
A+B=Widest part foot
Frog angle E= ~ 54º |
These
measurements and more can be recorded for use in future assessment
Radiography
|
Normal
latero-medial radiograph
|
A
B C should be parallel
X should bisect Y i.e.Z1=Z2
Angle of pedal bone rotation F=5-8º |
X
should bisect Y
Z1=Z2
A=B
|
|
Normal
dorsopalmar
radiograph |
Many
of our lamenesses associated with foot imbalance
|
Hoof
wall appears shorter & steeper to the
side closer to the
midline
X
does not bisect Y
|
|
A
does not equal B
C does not equal D
 |
|
Radiography
reveals
|
|
X
does NOT bisect Y
Z1 does NOT equal Z2
A does NOT equal B |
 |
|
 |
|
A
B C are NOT parallel
X does NOT bisect Y
Z1 does NOT equal Z2
Angle of rotation F is negative i.e. -5º
THIS REPRESNTS DORSO PALMAR IMBALANCE
TOO MUCH LOAD ON HEEL RESULT=LAMENESS
|
|
THIS
REPRESNTS LATERO MEDICAL IMBALANCE
TOO MUCH LOAD ON ONE SIDE RESULT=LAMENESS |
Prior
to a resultant lameness these findings can produce more subtle
signs e.g -
- Reluctance
to work on a diagonal or small circles
- Refusing
or flattening at jumps
- Soreness,
napping, head shaking, general discomfort
- Reluctance
to extend stride
- Sore
backs
We
now also have available a digital computerised hoof measurement
system (MetronPx). Digital photographs and radiographs are taken
of both feet and relevant measurements taken. This provides invaluable
information on the foot balance of your horse.
This
can be applied to young horses to assess conformation and balance
before the initial shoeing, assess the balance at varying intervals
throughout the horse's career, assessment of balance before and
after shoeing or can applied to the lame horse.
Lateromedial
photograph of the unbalanced foot
 |
| Lateromedialradiograph
of the same unbalanced foot |
After
examination, phtotographs and radiographs are taken and a report
is prepared that can be studied by owner and farrier.
Discussions
and recommendations are put forward to correct any imbalances or
prevent any impending problems. A meeting can be arranged with you
and your farrier.
If
this program is of interest to you please arrange for an appointment.
For
further information please contact J.D.Puzio at the clinic.
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