how to grow a thick sole?

[texas]

Due to laminitis, pony has been on a barefoot friendly diet for about 3 years now, but her soles are still really thin and squishy. I can't find any hoof boots that fit well enough to leave on for any length of time, so without shoes it is a struggle to keep her sound and a worry that a stone could puncture her sole! Is there anything in particular I should be feeding to build up the sole quality? She gets ad lib soaked hay, no grass, a cup of purabeet, cup of farrier's formula, magnesium and cinnamon at the moment.

 

[amandap]

I have never had to deal with squishy soles and am an owner. I suggest you read some of these free articles, start with the sole one and then the laminitis one.
http://www.hoofrehab.com/horses_sole.htm
http://www.hoofrehab.com/LaminitisUpdate.htm
http://www.hoofrehab.com/hoof articles by Pete Ramey.htm

Diet, sole protection and comfortable movement are keys. I think with what you describe you need some experienced, professional input and help. x

 

[Erin]

Have you tested for EMS and cushings?

 

[texas]

Thank you amandap, you are right there! The farrier is great, but all he can suggest is shoes to protect the soles. Long term I'd like to improve their quality though!

Tested clear for both Erin, much to both the vet and I's surprise.

 

[LucyPriory]

OP do you know that the Cushings result was in numerial terms and at what time of year?

Do you have any photos?

 

[texas]

Hi Lucy, I think it was around 25 in November last year, which I understood to be within the normal range for that time of year.

I took some photos yesterday, just need to get round putting them on my computer.

Stupid question, which side of a horse is left and right - is it facing them or as if sitting on them?

 

[PoppyAnderson]

As if you are sitting on them.

 

[texas]

Thanks!

Right fore:

Left fore:

 

[Heelfirst]

I never comment on pictures but there are one or two things that concern me.
If you would like to take a look at Fig 6 and Fig 14 on this page: http://www.rockfoot.com/why.html
I think they are relevant as to why you might be getting thin soles.
Fact: correct concussion stimulates growth!

 

[texas]

thanks Heelfirst - I think the incorrect angles are due to the most recent bout of lami. the farrier is going to work on correcting these but can't do too much at once without crippling her. do you think that there is no way of improving the soles until this is done, however long it takes?

 

[Heelfirst]

As I said I don’t like commenting on pics. but to speak generally:
When there is a deviation in the laminae anywhere down the dorsal wall then you will get a certain amount of separation, this will be mainly at the terminal laminae, which will already be damaged by the last attack, thus making it difficult to produce good protective sole.
In these cases the sole will often follow the wall outwards and thus thinning it.
I will not comment on the feet per say, but with good management and respecting the break-over and heel support when trimming, I find they return to having healthy and protective soles.

 

[texas]

Thank you Heelfirst, I much appreciate your comments