05/02/2025
So while everyone has their own ideals when it comes to viewing and trimming a foot.
Here are some of the observations that we see when we pick up an untrimmed foot, specifically this foot we posted about recently, which is a near hind.
💛 Asymmetrical capsule (more lateral flaring)
💚 Elongated frog
🩷 Long bars
🩶 Uneven wear/loading at heels
💜 High heels
🧡 Evidence of tearing/stretching through the lamellar.
💙 Deep collateral grooves that traps muck and harbours thrush. Can at times, indicate a thicker sole/more depth to work with.
❤️ Balance upon quick glance is not in more ideal ratios of 50/50 around the COR (centre of rotation). Giving this foot more leverage at the toe in an already compromised foot.
Of course in person we would also have the advantage of seeing the horse standing, moving, it's posture, conformation and other views of the foot. Plus it's environmental conditions or other factors we may need to know.
The information you don't see or know. This mini pony has been on a inconsistent schedule, and at the time of the photo was a week overdue for trimming (sitting at 6 weeks). Suffering chronic laminitis and while he gets around ok, he is not 100% sound. His stance changes depending on comfort and cycle length. In the hinds this pony is loading and wearing the medial side harder than the lateral side. This is due to a more narrow stance through the hinds quarters which causes the toes to turn out. Resulting in less weight on the lateral side of the hoof, has allowed for a change in stance and reduced wear. Causing some flare and the lateral heel to grow more than the medial (inside) heel. This can show that the trim isn't always to blame, it can point to conformational deviations reflecting in uneven load or lack of wear and this is why we gain whole horse information.
Our actions after seeing these visuals and knowing the extra information that you don't gain from one photo:
🩶💜 To trim focusing on bringing the heels to a point of balanced loading, which then reduces the pull on the ddft (deep digital flexor tendon). Excessive tension on the ddft can pull laminitic ponies quite upright and make them overload their sore toes, and long term this is where you see the dishing in the wall at the dorsal aspect (front) of the capsule.
❤️ Reduce leverage and tearing forces on the toe by firstly backing it, searching for an improved ratio around the Cor. And then unloading the immediate toe area to take the pressure off the damaged and compromised lamellar attachment. All while trying to avoid thinning the wall at the toe aggressively. Which is a critical piece of holding the hoof capsule to the bones inside.
💚 Uncover the true frog apex, as currently it is stretched and run forward. Which is providing incorrect information about the foots internal structures. Mapping is helpful as you can use multiple reference points to give you further insight of these structures.
🖤 Reduce overall length/vertical height. Deceptively the hind feet had approx 1/4" of foot removed and a layer of unexfoliated sole relieved.
🤎 We would then shorten the cycle to approx 4 weeks, and assess all the above information and pony's comfort to see if we need to make further or alternative changes on future hoofcare. We would prefer to make smaller more frequent changes then big changes less often.
For ponies really struggling to be comfortable. Boots, glue on shoes, casting or specialised pads can all be suitable options to provide comfort and aid in the healing process from a farriery perspective.
As far as management from the owners perspective:
🌾 Making sure dietary requirements are focused on low nsc etc that is most suited for metabolic horses/ponies. While most metabolic related laminitis do best on zero or minimal grass, they still require constant access to roughage to encourage good gut health. There are multiple feed and hay options to suit. Slow feeder nets also help slow down hay consumption, along with muzzles which allows for continued turn out with herd mates. There are many sources that can help for further education in this area.
🐴 Environmentally, movement is key! Track systems are incredible at encouraging movement when owners might be too time poor to exercise them regularly, but also do not force movement on sore horses and ponies. Herd environments also encourage movement, as long as they are not being overly bullied/pushed around.
🩸 Bloodwork may also clue in to any underlying metabolic issues such as EMS (equine metabolic syndrome), IR (Insulin Resistance) and PPID (Cushing's) that could be further affecting the laminitis. Results from these may involve medication or further testing, you will need your vet involved for all these diagnostics.
👞 And for the feet directly, making sure they are picked out daily and a suitable thrush treatment applied as necessary. Monitor comfort levels and keep your vet and farrier updated when required.
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