What to pack Hoof with

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maybedaisy

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My friends horse has colitis based laminitis. The colitis is hopefully under control but she still has laminitis. The vet has told us to pack the hoof at the heel ( all the way back from the point of the frog ) We bought absorbine magic cushion but it doesn't set and just oozed out everywhere.

Any suggestions ? Can we use plasticine and vet wrap ?
 
I use the EPS pads cut to size taped on with duck tape to support the whole base of the hoof. They mould to the hoof very well. http://www.equinepodiatrysupplies.co.uk/Pads They do fit in some types of boot but my mini doesn't fit any boots except soft ride ones which are rehab boots not work boots, so I've no experience of using them in a boot.

It might be well worth contacting Justine on the site as to what she suggests. Alternatively ask your vet.
 
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I've recently seen my vet make a customised sole support, using two packs of special goo which he mixed, then applied to the foot, it set quite quickly. Can be removed easily for cleaning, etc. It's kept on with vet wrap and duct tape. Sorry, I don't know the name of the goo.
 
tks the goo is silicone, you mix two substances together and it hardens but the only stuff I can find is really expensive and single use
 
Get the farrier out & get it done properly. If you pack too much stuff in the wrong area you'll increase the pressure & make her more sore, or push her onto the tip of the pedal bone. In an emergency I' tape on a styrofoam until I could get my farrier out, but supporting laminitic feet isn't something I'd want to try myself.
 
The farrier is not easy to get out between bookings. He came last week and put heart bars on. It's the vet who has told us to do it ourselves.
 
Hmm, I'm afraid I'd be getting a farrier who would come out! I'm obviously spoilt because every farrier I know would come out as needed to a laminitic, when my big lad was bad mine was coming out twice a week for weeks fitting us in at the beginning or end of the day if needs be. Without him I have no doubts that I wouldn't still have my horse. I wouldn't let a vet do anything to his feet except in an emergency either, I'll use them for x-rays & drugs but all trimming & decisions on shoes & supports are made by my farrier though I do like the two to work together.

It's obviously too late now but why didn't the farrier put a pad & putty on with the shoe? Might it be worth a phone call to ask him if he thinks the foot needs packing & if so what he'd suggest util he can get to you?
 
I'll tell her what you've said. The main vet was away, she was advised to do heart bars by one of the other vets. When the main vet came back yesterday he said to pack the feet.
 
Another who say get the farrier. Mine has packing from heel to point of frog and the farrier puts it in at the same time he shoes him. Yes, its very expensive but the difference it has made so far is amazing. Mine has toxic laminitis too.
 
Since the middle of May. He fell ill originally at the start of May, and just as he recovered the laminitis struck. He's getting his 2nd set of xrays next week. Fingers crossed for an improvement.
 
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