Back right hoof

[Coffeeandcakeandchocolate]

Hi, my horse has been lame since July. His back hooves have been mri’d as he had a suspected keratoma. No keratoma showed up but the vet diagnosed a mild tendon injury and pedal osteitis. He prescribed remedial shoes and rest. My horse is still slightly lame (1/10 or 2/10). Just wondering if anyone has seen this kind of spongy hole in a hoof before? Does anyone have any positive stories to share?

 

[AmyMay]

That looks like an abscess site.

 

[Equi]

Yes it def looks like an abscess site. Can I ask why the sole of the hoof has been taken away so much? Is that part of the vets plan?

 

[Coffeeandcakeandchocolate]

The hoof was over trimmed by the yard farrier (horse was more lame after this ). This was a photo taken at the start of this all (in July). The farrier was new to the yard. I now have a different (very experienced) farrier who has done the remedial shoeing. He still believes my horse has a keratoma (despite no evidence on x ray or mri…vet says def not…

 

[FFAQ]

My mare has pedal osteitis in her right hind too. I was convinced there was a keratoma, but now realise it's the pedal osteitis (and a few other things) causing the problem.
I think the prognosis really depends on the severity of the pedal osteitis, but with good hoof care it's surprising how sound some horses can be. Certainly my mare has managed to be in light work (light because of my own time constraints) and barefoot up til now. Unfortunately, in her case there's a fair few other issues and she has now reached the point where she can't manage anything other than soft surfaces barefoot. Hoof boots really aren't an option for her because she is a shire who twists her hinds when she walks, and due to the damage in that right hind all the boots that are big enough to fit twist significantly.
I am in discussion with a few farriers about shoeing. There's some debate about whether shoes would make her worse due to a few other issues. I am an EP and specialise in barefoot, but if it helps the horse I would definitely have her shod, and pedal osteitis is one condition where I believe that shoes can be better than hoof boots.

Big hugs OP, you are not alone! Be prepared to experiment. I really hope your horse becomes sound again quickly.

 

[PurBee]

My mare has pedal osteitis in her right hind too. I was convinced there was a keratoma, but now realise it's the pedal osteitis (and a few other things) causing the problem.
I think the prognosis really depends on the severity of the pedal osteitis, but with good hoof care it's surprising how sound some horses can be. Certainly my mare has managed to be in light work (light because of my own time constraints) and barefoot up til now. Unfortunately, in her case there's a fair few other issues and she has now reached the point where she can't manage anything other than soft surfaces barefoot. Hoof boots really aren't an option for her because she is a shire who twists her hinds when she walks, and due to the damage in that right hind all the boots that are big enough to fit twist significantly.
I am in discussion with a few farriers about shoeing. There's some debate about whether shoes would make her worse due to a few other issues. I am an EP and specialise in barefoot, but if it helps the horse I would definitely have her shod, and pedal osteitis is one condition where I believe that shoes can be better than hoof boots.

Big hugs OP, you are not alone! Be prepared to experiment. I really hope your horse becomes sound again quickly.

Have you tried plastic composite/ glue-on shoes option for your mare? Pour-in composite cushioned pad can be added too for comfort of sole.
I’ve always wondered how they perform in comparison to metals shoes and boot options.

 

[Coffeeandcakeandchocolate]

Thanks so much for the replies. It’s just hard not knowing if he’ll recover. He’s such a lovely horse. I feel bad that he’s not 100% comfortable. He used to trot happily around with his friends now he just plods around. He still seems happy and happily comes to his stable for a groom and food. Fingers crossed (and for your mare too FFAQ)