Bruised soles and old macs ?

[cobden99]

My cob was lame in May after thundering around on the hard ground. Previously he had always been fine, hacked out and competed without ever being shod. He seemed ok after a couple of weeks box rest and then the rain started which helped ! I bought some Old Mac boots as the vet said once they have been bruised it can take a long time for them to be 100% again. He comes in during the day on rubber matting, and out all night with his boots on which seemed to be working well. However the last few days I have noticed that the bulbs of his heels are quite hot and they are now bruised as well ! My friend says the same thing happened with her Highland when he was turned out in his boots. Has anyone else experienced this ? The boots seem to fit really well. Im paranoid about the ground getting hard again, having to put him out without his boots on and being back to square one ....

Is there anything I could put on his heels ?

 

[AmyMay]

Pop some front shoes on??

 

[cobden99]

I have thought about that, perhaps a couple of sets to get me through to the softer ground again.... just a bit fed up because he has never needed shoeing before. He is being trimmed tomorrow so I will ask the farrier. Thanks

 

[nelgonde]

I was told you weren't supposed to turn out in them. I still did though.

Suggestions for helping - I've seen the 'gaiter' - socky thing which goes round the pastern used for protecting the heel. Other than that, vaseline is always worth a try...

 

[custard]

Used to turn out in mine but unless they were put on absolutely right (ie by me!) they did rub.

Had you thought about glue on plastic shoes just for a couple of months to tide you over? They come a bit pricey but would save making horrible nail holes if you want to stay barefoot.

 

[smokeybabes]

Have u tried putting pads within the boots??
Solemate pads (can also use gardening pads) are often used inside boots when horses are transitioning to barefoot and are a bit sore.
Try this website for lots of barefoot advice and maybe post your question there!
barefoot