my barefoot for 2 years mare has suddenly gone very footy

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robthecob

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Hi guys,

I'm a bit confused as to what is best to do as my mare who has been barefoot has gone footy. To be fair she is over due a trim (we have had issues finding a barefoot trimmer after moving) but this isn't normally the time of year I worry especially as the ground is pretty good at the moment.

She is on a fairly bare paddock in the day and in on ad lib hay over night. She is only fed fast fibre. She is getting less work at the moment due to me working long hours and her not being able to school.

I expect there is a bit of thrush as her feet are a little smelly but this is still the worst she has been since I took the shoes off 2 years ago :(
 
The weather has been warm so grass is still growing, I would be careful of laminitis. I would start soaking hay and get her off the grass just to be on the safe side.

How old is she?
 
If she has been fine for a while now nor, something is wrong.
The move could be a cause, different levels in the grass etc.
The grass has been good for a lot longer.
The late trim.could have a bigger effect then thought.
Also I've heard fast fibre is not good.
 
She is 10, no pulses or warm feet and fine turning a tight circle but really footy over the stones :( I could start soaking the hay. Are you thinking a test for cushings?

Do you think taking her off the grass is a good idea? Despite it looking desperate out there all the horses are still coming in having a little nibble then a snooze so there must be more than we think. We haven't had many frosts but I bet the grass that is coming through is nuclear (it's very green)

I know I'm naughty with not getting her trimmed I just can't find anyone to come out :( I have a list of farriers from my local vets though so I'll call a few and see who will come out and is happy to trim.

Horse in herself is VERY well, she very nearly dumped me today when I tool her for a walk round the field (she isn't footy at all on the grass)
 
Is your new place a bit more stoney? Perhaps there's a bit more on the roads? I'm guessing you can't see any signs of bruising?
 
Footy over stones is often one of the first signs of a problem long before warm feet or pulses. It wouldn't hurt to test for Cushings if only to rule it out. Have you any photos? Thrush can be surprisingly sore too.
 
I'll happily get some pictures tomorrow if you would be kind enough to take a look. As I said I'm a bad mum in thst I know she needs a trim. Do you think I should soak hay and take her off the grass? I'm happy to get her tested I'll call the vets on Monday
 
Re thrush - depends on how bad but:

If quite severe brush foot clean and get rid of grot using baby wipes. Then do a white Lightening gel treatment 5 days in a row. 9/10 clients find this effective. PM if you want more details.

For less severe and maintenance make up portia's potion. 2/3 zinc and castor oil cream 1/3 high strength manuka honey. Blend together. Brush and wipe hoof clean as described above. Apply PP liberally over frog and sole. Leave horse to stand on clean dry surface for 20 mins before turning out etc. I prefer not to wash feet thus time of year unless you have facilities and time to thoroughly dry before applying treatment. Personally I won't put something on a hoof that I wouldn't be happy to apply to my own skin.

Sudocrem can be effective but don't blend with Honey because it curdles. Remember all horses are individuals so take precautions before applying new treatments. I had one that got a rash from zinc and castor oil and another was sensitive to children's sun tan cream.

If the diet is short if essential minerals or overly high in sugar topical treatment may be ineffective until this is resolved.
 
It may just be the grass. We have only had a couple of mild frosts but the sugars in the grass is increased with temperatures below 5 degrees and it has been pretty chilly. My natives are on hardly any hay at the moment and low cal chaff but Im struggling to keep weight off of them.
 
A wash daily with 3% hydrogen peroxide or Tesco value thin bleach will often resolve thrush. Both treatments recommended to me by a horse vet.

Cheapest way to get hp in volume is to buy stronger from Amazon and water it down to the right strength.
 
I've gone with limiting turn out and soaking hay :) will let you know if it resolves it quickly. Oh I'll obviously be getting a Farrier out to trim too :)
 
LucyPriory said:
Re thrush - depends on how bad but:

If quite severe brush foot clean and get rid of grot using baby wipes. Then do a white Lightening gel treatment 5 days in a row. 9/10 clients find this effective. PM if you want more details.

Personally I won't put something on a hoof that I wouldn't be happy to apply to my own skin.
Click to expand...

Lucy - I am interested to know how your treat with White Lightening gel? (I have some, but no thrush at moment). But would be useful to know.

Also interested, does the not putting something on hoof that you wouldnt apply to your own skin apply to White Lightening too?

What are your thoughts on cider vinegar as a preventative? (I try not to use messy things on yard if can avoid it as get into lots of trouble!!).
 
bouncing_ball said:
Lucy - I am interested to know how your treat with White Lightening gel? (I have some, but no thrush at moment). But would be useful to know.

Also interested, does the not putting something on hoof that you wouldnt apply to your own skin apply to White Lightening too?

What are your thoughts on cider vinegar as a preventative? (I try not to use messy things on yard if can avoid it as get into lots of trouble!!).
Click to expand...

It's chlorine dioxide, which is what they use in water treatment and other disinfectant applications. Safe for people. :)
 
bouncing_ball said:
Lucy - I am interested to know how your treat with White Lightening gel? (I have some, but no thrush at moment). But would be useful to know.

Also interested, does the not putting something on hoof that you wouldnt apply to your own skin apply to White Lightening too?

What are your thoughts on cider vinegar as a preventative? (I try not to use messy things on yard if can avoid it as get into lots of trouble!!).
Click to expand...

I've put WL gel on my skin, cider vinegar stung, the WL gel did no damage and didn't sting at all.

Nappies are hoof shaped. At least disposable ones are. WL gel foot. Put nappy over hoof with the crotch centered over sole. The front and back wrap round the pastern, then do up tabs firmly. Duck tape over the top. Easy. Makes a good poultice too.

I leave nappy on for several hours. For turn out too. Just use plenty of tape or boot over the top. I usually repeat for 5 days.
 
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