Note: Talk to your farrier regarding treatment for these hoof conditions and shoeing methods.

Club Foot

A club foot can vary from mild to severe.  Mild being merely an upright foot; severe being a true club foot.  Horses may be born with a club foot or can be caused by injury.  Some horses may not show this condition until three or four months of age.

Laminitis

Laminitis is an inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the foot.  There are two types of laminitis.  The most common is acute, usually occuring from a high amount of grains.  The other and most severe is chronic.  This can result in rotation of the coffin bone.

Navicular

Navicular is a deterioration, a disease or remodeling of the Navicular Bone.  This can cause an inflammation of the Navicular Bursa, usually occuring in the front feet.  This is due to lack of exercise or too strenuous of exercise.  The factors include poor conformation, inadequate or improper trimming and shoeing resulting in a long toe or low heel, contracted heels or sheared heels.

Thrush

Thrush is an anaerobic bacterial infection that involves the 'Collateral Sulcii' (the sides of the frog) and the 'Central Cleft'.  This infection may enter the sensitive laminae.  Thrush is caused by a buildup of impacted debris that prevents air from getting to the frog.

During trimming of the hoof, the 'Collateral Sulcii' should be trimmed back for easier cleaning of the frog by the horse owner.  When not pared back, flaps of the frog tissue can seal in debris to make it impossible to clean the frog with a hoof pick.

For treatment of trush, the horse should be put into a clean, dry stall and hooves cleaned daily.  Apply medication such as Iodine or Thrush Buster, or pack frog with Magic Cushion Hoof Packing.

Abscess

An abscess can be caused by a puncture wound that trap bacteria.  The most common are from (Necrotic) damaged sensitive tissue brought on by severe, or repetative bruising of the hoof.  Abscesses are a common side effect of severe laminitis.  Multiple abscesses can occur in these cases.

When paring out abscesses or when one blows, the
owner or farrier may find two colors, either a black or gray discharge.  (If a light or dark red jelly-like substance is found, it is thought to be a corium abscess) found in some severe laminitis cases.

For Treatment:

If thought to be an abscess, soak the hoof in a solution of warm water with epsom salt.  Then pack the sole and frog with Ichthammol ointment.  Other treatments are animaltex hoof poultice, a 3M product.

After abscess blows, wrap and keep hoof dry, while draining.  For further medication, contact you veterinarian.