Sore feet after shoes off for colic surgery

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

Advice on making barefoot more comfortable appreciated.

Oliver had his front shoes taken off for colic surgery about 7 weeks ago. He spent a week in the hospital, two weeks on box rest and so far 4 weeks on restricted paddock rest. He had his back shoes taken off 6 months ago with no issues. Although ouchy when standing on a stone he’s been not too sore. Last few days though he’s been particularly sore on his front left. I’m not sure if an abscess is brewing or it is bruised. Also obviously considering lami as a possibility. I am poulticing it and keeping him in at the moment. Farrier came a couple of weeks ago and just tidied the edges but didn’t trim at all.

As his shoes are off now I have decided to leave them off let his hoof grow naturally and see how they develop. I’m unsure the best solution to making him comfortable at the moment. Obviously poulticing will soften the hoof so will need to allow to dry and harden before going back out.

Diet is high fibre low sugar but grass in paddock is long although I’m restricting with fencing. He’s on gut and hoof supplements.

Thanks

 

[Britestar]

I would be very suspicious of laminitis.
Grass combined with the stress his body has been under, it would make a perfect storm..

 

[Highmileagecob]

Agree abscess or laminitis, given the gut disruption he has just has, poor lad. Deep shavings bed, and maybe ask your farrier/trimmer to check that the heels and bars are not causing any issues. If you need emergency pads, it's fairly easy to cut a hoof shape out of a pair of men's flip flops, cut a triangle to fit over the frog and glue in place. (On the flip flop not the hoof). Duct tape the frog pad to the hoof. If this makes him more comfortable, suspect laminitis. If no change, you possibly have an abscess. Fingers crossed for you!

 

[fairyclare]

Hoof boots! A literal life saver.
Obviously lami is a huge risk, partly due to this crazy weather and grass shooting up but also due to the stresses of the colic surgery and the recovery/box rest etc.