Hoof boots...any advice?

[carol993]

Hi
My horse is currently recovering from a dropped pedal bone following chronic laminitis (brought on by concussion after pulling off a shoe in the paddock). He is stabled 24/7 at the moment, undergoing intensive treatment, and cannot come out of his stable until the vet is happy the foot is stable. Thinking ahead (and thinking positively) I am doing what I can to ensure my horse is as comfortable as can be and protected as much as possible from any further damage once he is allowed to take short walks etc. I have looked at the Cavallo and the Easiboot FX hoof boots as both state they offer protection to injured feet, including pedal bone and navicular issues. I have never used these before and do not know anyone that has. He is currently fitted with aluminium heart bar shoes, and I think he may still have these on if/when he is allowed to walk about again.... Can anyone offer any advice or relay their experience with using them? I would be grateful to hear from anyone as it will aid my decision as to whether I buy any or not. Thank you. XX

 

[Noodlebug]

My mare was crippled with concussion laminitis about 3 yrs ago and the horse boots were a life saver. I have the Boa boots and they have been great. A friend of mine uses the Old Mac's with no problem. Try the Saddlery Shop they have a good range and different types.

Hope recovers soon.

 

[popularfurball]

The saddlery shop also does trials to get a pair that fits.

I too love my old mac originals. They are more forgiving l
On fit than say the easyboot gloves, but they fo go over the hairline. However my girly has skin problems and she wears these out with no rubs (alight miracle really!) I use 12mm pads in them - she behaves like tigger!!!!

I would probably wait until nearer The time to measure as lami feet change shape very fast.

Would also be questioning use of shoes In concussion lami - banging a shoe on only adds to concussion?

 

[snopuma]

Having tried all the others, I now only use Cavallo's, they are kind to the foot being leather topped, tough, long lasting, and most important of all very easy to put on, it is hard to get it wrong with these boots, whereas others have rubbed, flapped, drawn the hoof, blood sweat and tears to get on, these are not! Cannot reccommend them more highly! And they don't break the bank!

 

[carol993]

Thanks guys, I will wait for a little while until he is ready to walk about and then see what fits. I know what you are saying Furball about banging nails on, but my farrier is a known expert with remedial shoeing especially laminitis. If he thought for one second using alluminium shoe with the types of nails used was detrimental to the welfare of my horse, he would have used the plastic ones. I trust him 150% to do the right thing, and so far, he has done an outstanding job. I guess it depends on the level of damage within the foot and whether nails are going to interfer or not! He is being shod using X-rays, so it is all being done very carefully.
Thanks for your comments everyone.