Update on pony viewing.. photos of hooves, is it laminitis

My farrier told me that the ridges, if they're even around the hoof indicate changes in diet/nutrition or in the weather. My appy has rings but they're from constant wet/dry/wet/dry according to my farrier. He also said it can be caused by changes in pressure points by going too long between trims/shoes.

I'd be more interested in what caused the stray frog, although I think the shadows probably make it look worse than it is, but personally I'd be inclined to investigate. Even if it isn't anything serious, at least you will know what needs managing and how.

All the best with pony, it sounds like you're otherwise getting along great :)
 
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Mine have rings round their feet like that and three of the four have never had lammi the one that has has the same rings as it is more than two years since he did so the hoof has grown out. They are fatties so kept on restricted grazing the farrier says it is because they are getting more or less grass depending on the weather warm and sunny with showers more grass grows hoof grows faster, cold and dry less grass ring is from slow growth so a ridge forms
 
I'd be concerned about the ripples, they're very pronounced and there are lots of them. Ime repeated ripples are down to dietary issues usually. I'm no expert and it's hard to see what's going on with over grown frog, thrush etc.
I think laminitic episodes are a strong possibility myself.
 
Re 'mechanical' ripples. I'm not convinced you get rippling from leverage of an overgrown wall unless there is a compromised lamina connection, aka laminitis (inflammation of the lamina). :o
 
windand rain said:
Mine have rings round their feet like that and three of the four have never had lammi the one that has has the same rings as it is more than two years since he did so the hoof has grown out. They are fatties so kept on restricted grazing the farrier says it is because they are getting more or less grass depending on the weather warm and sunny with showers more grass grows hoof grows faster, cold and dry less grass ring is from slow growth so a ridge forms
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That's exactly why these feet concern me. The rippling did not stop when the grass died. In theory since about November this pony's nutrition has been much more consistent than during spring/summer, and yet it is still reacting very strongly to any change.

I would buy him if he is right in all other ways, but I would expect to have to watch his diet like a hawk and keep him fit and slim at all times.
 
cptrayes said:
I would buy him if he is right in all other ways, but I would expect to have to watch his diet like a hawk and keep him fit and slim at all times.
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Me too.

Something crossed my mind and it might be worth asking if/when you get him vetted. Cushings might be a possibility and sadly has cost implications for the future with the price of prascend. Google the symptoms to give yourself an idea about it. Might not be a factor is just as likely. :)
 
My farrier reassured me last year when we had so much grass and I have a very small pony, that laminitis is very rare in driving ponies. Presumably because they work harder than most small ponies?
 
I'm another for dietary changes. Bring it up at the vetting but I had a horse whose feet looked exactly like that but had never had lami.
 
Do you have a current farrier? If so I would be texting him/her those photos to get their opinion before commiting to the expense of vetting or purchase.

They would certainly concern me.....
 
But when did the horsey person leave? Is it possible the ponys diet has been changed suddenly several times since then, by the non-horsey people feeding whatever is cheapest or changing suppliers of hay, or something like that? Then pony would have recent event lines on hoofs.
 
I am going to see if I can get my farrier to have a look, at least at the photos. The other thought of Cushings is interesting/worrying.

I am in a real dilema with this pony, I like him a lot and feel awful for him so will now feel guilty if I don't get him. Although I must think with my head and not with my heart (to a certain degree).

Unfortunately my husband has said buying the cart with him is a no no for the moment. However, I can always persuade him at a later date.

I am also taking my girls to see him on Wednesday to try riding him and see how they get on.

I would actually like to get his feet done before I buy and with me present when the farrier comes, even if I offer to pay for this or should it be on the buyer??
 
Sidney said:
Do you have a current farrier? If so I would be texting him/her those photos to get their opinion before commiting to the expense of vetting or purchase.

They would certainly concern me.....
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That's what I'd do too. As far as the grass, since November, ours has had spells of growing/not growing, changing almost daily with the weather. We have had very little frost/low temps which would stop the grass growing for any length of time.

OP, do you think that the owner would lwvtb the cart for a month or two?
 
If you are serious about purchasing, I would then ask the sellers if you could have your farrier to come and attend to him. Personally I would expect to foot the bill, as I would with a vetting etc, but the current owners may offer to contribute if you are lucky.

Just as a thought, would it be better you had the feet looked at before you introduce the pony to your children, just in case you decide not go ahead with the purchase?
 
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