TB with flat soles - lame again

[lucy16]

Have had a TB for about 18 months now, has been sound until recently but now keeps going lame, usually he 'trips', then becomes lame. Sound again after a few days rest but it keeps happening. Farriers couldn't find any bruising and the vet suggested it's in the shoulder. Has been treated by chiro and osteo - nothing obvious found.
I still think it's in the foot, is there anything I can do to improve his feet?
Or could it be navicular or something similar?

 

[Nari]

What's his foot balance like? TBs often seem to get long toes which cause them to trip more so it may be worth looking at this with your farrier to see if he can get the toe back & improve the breakover point.

 

[Fiona]

Completely agree with this, our IDx mare did this as a youngster (tripped then went lame) and as soon as we sorted out her foot balance she has been fine for the last 6 years. Needs to be shod with v short toes, heels well supported, and poss quarter clips rather than toe clips so that shoe can be set back well.
Good luck

FIona

 

[Nailed]

If it was me i would start by asking your farrier to hoof test him for navicular, as it is very commont in horses with 'flat' feet as the distal sesemoid bones get worn down easily from the pressure on them.

If the horse is found to respond negitivly to the hoof testers then it is important to take a look at the balance, in particular the toe length. It is possible to 'pull' the toes back by usinf unclipped or quarterclipped shoes, by addding a roll to the toe or 'safeing' it off, it is possible to reduce the break over point, aiding in the prevention of tripping.

If the horse reacts positive the the hoof testers you can do two things, either have him xrayed or take it that the horse has navicular. Treatment for navicular usually involves unclipped bar shoes both for support and to draw the toe back..

If it was me i would seriously look at getting a navicular test.

Lou x