LoopyJupe
New User
Hi!
My 16.2hh warmblood gelding, 11 years old, chestnut with 4 white socks, is very sensitive to wet, muddy conditions. I've only had him for 5 months so haven't been through a winter with him before. He is prone to mud fever and apparently had a case of thrush last winter, probably due to his deep sheared heels. During the dry summer weather, his entire hoof area was healthy and strong. After slightest bit of rain, his heels turned white and soft. About 2 months ago he started hopping in canter so I called the vet, who treated him for infected heels with antibiotics. The infection cleared up but his heels have never looked quite right.
Initially I used sudocrem on the tiny bits of mudfever and iodine on the sore looking heels, but after we saw the vet I used flamazine on the mud fever and blue spray on his heels. Since that finished I've switched to purple spray on the farrier's advice. His legs are cleaned thoroughly when he's brought in and he is stabled at night. I bought the equilibrium close contact chaps (at great expense) and they do seem to have made a difference to the mudfever, which is under control. But the bulbs of his heels look ruptured and like they are peeling off! I apply cow salve to his heels and pasterns and then put the boots on top to make sure the whole area is protected even if the boots leak. No sign of lameness so I haven't called the vet again, but am starting think I should rather than wait for this to get any worse. You have to see the photo - I have been searching online and haven't found anything else like it. So far thinking hidden thrush infection under there? Should I worry about white line disease? All four hooves are the same. There is some purplish bruising visible on the near hind hoof. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
My 16.2hh warmblood gelding, 11 years old, chestnut with 4 white socks, is very sensitive to wet, muddy conditions. I've only had him for 5 months so haven't been through a winter with him before. He is prone to mud fever and apparently had a case of thrush last winter, probably due to his deep sheared heels. During the dry summer weather, his entire hoof area was healthy and strong. After slightest bit of rain, his heels turned white and soft. About 2 months ago he started hopping in canter so I called the vet, who treated him for infected heels with antibiotics. The infection cleared up but his heels have never looked quite right.
Initially I used sudocrem on the tiny bits of mudfever and iodine on the sore looking heels, but after we saw the vet I used flamazine on the mud fever and blue spray on his heels. Since that finished I've switched to purple spray on the farrier's advice. His legs are cleaned thoroughly when he's brought in and he is stabled at night. I bought the equilibrium close contact chaps (at great expense) and they do seem to have made a difference to the mudfever, which is under control. But the bulbs of his heels look ruptured and like they are peeling off! I apply cow salve to his heels and pasterns and then put the boots on top to make sure the whole area is protected even if the boots leak. No sign of lameness so I haven't called the vet again, but am starting think I should rather than wait for this to get any worse. You have to see the photo - I have been searching online and haven't found anything else like it. So far thinking hidden thrush infection under there? Should I worry about white line disease? All four hooves are the same. There is some purplish bruising visible on the near hind hoof. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
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