Are laminitics better shod or unshod?

As question!! Iv got a pony coming in 2moro who had laminitis a few years ago, no problems since then and he's currently unshod as hasnt been doing much work over the winter. Just looking for some advice re his feet?

Farrier is coming out next week to have a look and will explain whats the best plan etc but thought id ask you guys for some info too!

Thankyou in advance!
 
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Toby_Zaphod

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Just because your horse had laminitis a few years ago doesn't mean that it will returtn after all this time. You obviously are doing things right as the problem hasn't returned. Laminitis is a totally preventable illness. As for wether your horse should be shod or not I think this depends on the type of horn he has & also the amount & type of work he will be doing. You are doing the right thing by speaking with your farrier but I would also involve your vet in the decision making on this one. Good Luck
 
My 26 year old first pony who has cushings suffered a bout of mild laminitis last year for the first time ever- she had a full set of shoes on and one of my vets advised taking the shoes off, and so did my Farrier- it lets the feet expand. She been absolutely fine and I think its better for them. It goes without saying that if you've got a horse with a bad case of it you'd have to have the feet x-rayed (and shod- depending on if/how far the pedal bone is rotated).

The Vets said that she may feel the hard ground in the summer and if she does we could try shoeing her with the shoes on upside down. My Farrier also mentioned to me about a new product thats comiing out that is a bandage that you apply just like you would a vetrap and apply water and it turns into a putty like material that hardens to the horses foot shape to prevent bruising- sorry can't remember what its called!- we may try it if she needs it.

I would definately recommend speaking to your vet though for their advice !
 
Depends entirely on the animal, the severity of it's previous attacks, the use wanted out of it and the original cause (not all laminitis is totally preventable).
To shoe or not should be discussed between farrier/owner/vet.
 
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