BF update, would appreciate feedback as to how they looking?

[dressagelove]

So his shoes have been off now for just over a month. Had a barefoot trimmer out last week to trim him. He has been looking quite unhappy on his feet at the moment, but Im blaming the weather, it was all frost and snow. Now it has gone, he is slowly looking happier again. What do we think?

Recognise this one?? This was that one with that dreadful crack!

 

[dressagelove]

bump

 

[Oberon]

I was just thinking about your horse this afternoon and hoping for an update.

Looks like you're getting there. Getting movement in comfort is the main goal at the moment.

Bit sad when you say he's not comfortable. Is he lame?

What's filling the crack?

 

[dressagelove]

Oh thanks Oberon
He has been looking a bit sore on his toots these last few days, and yes yesterday, he was fully lame on one fore leg

Nothing is filling the crack, my trimmer whipped his staple out and gave it a rasp and that's now how it looks! Looking better no? After she had rasped him though, he had a red sore spot in his white line, which almost looked like the remnants of an abscess, and he also had a fair bit of bruising around the entire white line... so unsure if it all still healing etc

He is still struggling with a bit of thrush, he is such a dirty pig in the stable, and standing in it all night, my cleantrax treatment is long gone, and its back a bit, which could be contributing to the soreness I guess. Have now decided to leave him wandering free 24/7 now to try and limit the amount of time he is stood in his wee. Ive been red horse treating them everyday as well however.

 

[cptrayes]

The crack looks amazing! That's why Oberon thought it had been filled it's SO much better!!

Look at that event line from where you took the shoes off - more than half an inch down already. You'll have a new foot through to the ground in no time.

 

[Oberon]

Good grief - that went quick!!! I thought he had epoxy in it. I'm amazed

How long had he had remedial shoes to try and get rid of that crack?

Yes there is thrush in the frogs and this is going to be uncomfortable. He needs to move to get rid of it - ground stimulation to lay more tissue faster than the thrush can eat it and to grow out that poorly connected wall.

But he can't do that if he is lame

Is he comfortable in boots? You can use them for turnout if necessary while he needs help.

Be careful with the frosty grass running into spring grass - that might just be one problem too many for him at the moment.

You could try hoof wraps if the trimmer does them - you can soak through them, but they only usually stay on a couple of weeks

You can also use cider vinegar 50/50 with water to use as a soak too - cheaper and easier than Cleantrax.

 

[dressagelove]

Okay cool, thanks oberon ( & cptrayes! )

He isn't actually on grass at the moment. He is still loose round arena / open stable door / stoned and muddy area, its all self contained, so he's just on hay... I am worried about putting him back on the grass, thinking of getting him a muzzle, would that work? I saw your thread about feeding charcoal etc in anticipation for the spring grass.

The vinegar solution sounds good and cost effective, Ill try that, and im thinking letting him walk round all night as well as day will be better for his feet as well.

Yes im amazed at how fast that crack has sorted itself out, the shoes were 100% just making it worse.
My trimmer mentioned investing in some boots, I may do that next time she comes.
I dont really know why he has gone lame again these last few days... hope he'll sort it out now the weather is improving...

 

[Oberon]

Both my horses manage fine on grass (touch wood) and yours may too - when his hooves are no longer compromised like they are now.

The movement will work wonders both at beating the thrush and growing a new hoof - as long as he's comfortable enough.

I think boots are an excellent idea. You may not need to use them for long - but they can make a big difference in the progress he makes in the beginning.

Pea gravel would be great too.

I hope he feels better soon.

 

[dressagelove]

Awesome, okay, thanks, I needed those words of advice and reassurance, I have been worried about him seemingly going downhill! But maybe it really is all the thrush's fault, going to try and fully kill it!!