Foot Sore

[maxapple]

My Tb broke his leg in November and after a long period of recovery is finally out again (in a small paddock) He has been going out now for 6 weeks. He had his shoes taken off about 3 months ago (thats the earliest we could do it as he was previously X-tied and in a cast) and his feet held up well apart from a teeny bit of thrush - but he was on box rest.


We are in the SE where it has not rained for over a month at least - and the ground is rock hard / dusty. To get to his field I have to lead him down a stoney drive. As a result his feet are very brittle (I put moisturiser on every day which is helping a little) and he has become a little bit foot sore in the past few days. Yesterday and today he looked very lame on the stoney path - but ok again once in the field.

I am going to phone the vet for advice to see if we can put front shoes on(I am careful to the point of obsession with him now ) and have my farrier coming out Monday - but wondered if anyone had tips on what I can do between now and then to keep him a bit more comfortable over that particular path. I thought about vet wrapping his feet with pads underneath (that I'll take off each night when he comes in?) just for a bit of protection?

 

[AmyMay]

Can you put hoof boots on him for the time being?

 

[Pasha]

Kerratex Hoof Hardener is great as is Kevin Bacons (Black one) for toughening up the soles. Hoof Boots are a good idea if he cannot have shoes back on.

 

[tallyho!]

Hoof boots are a good idea. What is his diet? Just wondering it may be the old hoof growing down which is brittle. What is the new hoof like growing down?

oh yes, and don't use keratex - awful stuff. Kevin Bacon if you must put anything on.

 

[maxapple]

He has adlib hay at night (soaked to keep his weight right) along with Hi-Fi and bluechip lami light balancer.

I think you are right its the old hoof thats brittle. The new hoof looks a bit better. Looks like I may need to invest in hoof boots.