laminitis

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alimb1

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My 24 year old pony has had a few bouts of laminitis in the past, she is now shod with heartbars on both front feet. She is fine until shod when she becomes extremly foot sore, this usually lasts about a week. I think it is due to the fact that her feet are being brought back so short, I have mentioned this to the farrier, he says he has to do this to get the foot in the correct shape. I have now resorted to giving her bute just so she is comfortable. Does anyone else have this problem? Any solutions?Im getting to the point were I really don't know what to do, especially since Spring is now fast approaching
 
The foot has to be brought back more than normal to support the pedal bone.. unless you want it to pop throught the sole?

Youll probably find that the soreness has more to do with the nails that the trim, as horses with laminitis suffer alot of bruising and trauma to the laminae, and when the shoe is nailes on, the nails lie quite close to the laminae, somtimes aggrivating the bruising, and the nailing on process also can concuss the foot slightly (Concussion is also a cause for laminitis)

Dont be so quick to question your farrier, Research alittle on the shape the foot has to be to support the pedal bone and you will understand the reasoning behind it..

Also, is the laminitis due to cushings?

Lu x
 
I would discuss it with your vet and then your farrier. It may be due to the nailing on causing conussion, and at 24 she may have arthritis which is aggravated by the concussion, or even the change in foot balance.
There are various fillers available to support the feet and bute for a few days is not necessarily a bad thing. Your vet should be able to help and talking it through with your farrier will help you be clearer on what he is doing.
Do not feel bad about questioning your farrier! It is his job to explain what he is doing so you understand and can decide what is best for your horse. It may be that he has to change the foot balance more gradually. A good farrier will welcome feedback on what happens after he leaves the yard and he can then advise accordingly.
 
Lu, I am aware of the shape that the foot has to be in, and no of course I do not want the pedal bone to come through. I am not questionning my farrier, I trust him completely, its just horrible seeing her so sore and was only wondering if other people have experienced this with their pony. She hasn't been tested for cushings, thats the next step I think.
teddyt, thanks for your advice, she does suffer with arthritis and this definatly doesn't help. I have spoken to my farrier this morning, he has suggested to turn her out so the circulation gets going.
Thanks for everyones advice, laminitis is a complete nightmare!!!
 
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