05/31/2024
🌟 Attention Horse Owners! 🌟
Summer is here, and with the warm weather comes the increased risk of hoof problems. As your trusted farrier, I want to kindly remind everyone about the importance of regular hoof care to keep your horses happy, healthy, and moving well. Here are four common summer hoof issues to watch out for:
Laminitis: This painful condition can be triggered by extreme temperature changes such as cold nights and hot days, too much lush grass consumed in a short period of time and other factors. Look for signs like hot hooves, a rocked-back stance, and lameness. The horse in some cases will often want to lay down. Especially our large furry friends. Immediate farrier attention is crucial to manage and prevent escalating any further issues.
Thrush: Wet summer conditions can lead to thrush, a bacterial infection of the frog. You may notice a black/grey, foul-smelling discharge. You may also notice the horses frog deteriorating and becoming weak and fragile looking, Keeping hooves clean and dry is essential in preventing and treating thrush. Another quick remedy is a product called Banixx Wound Care Spray. This product is good for many reasons, but most importantly many of my clients rave about it.
Hoof Cracks: The summer heat and long toes can cause hooves to become weak, brittle and crack. Regular trimming on a consistent schedule that is catered to your horses needs along with proper nutrition can help prevent cracks from forming and ensure your furry friends hooves stay strong. Long toes can create many issues such as cracks, tripping, psoas issues, shoulder stress, jaw issues, a rough ride for the rider, low back and hind end issues for the horse. Striking of the back of the front hooves with their hind feet is a common issue when front toes are too long.
Abscesses: These can be very tricky. There are many reasons as to why they appear. However, often they are caused by puncture wounds, too much sole compression, stomping at flies, soft wet soles, very hard soles, dirty paddocks and stalls, stone bruising, and so many more reasons. Abscesses can lead to severe lameness and swelling. You will often times see swelling in the fetlock joint / pastern area and up and around the cannon bone portion of the leg. Also, there is typically heat in the hoof in one general location. However, remember they are tricky. Sometimes they don’t show heat or swelling and lameness can be on and off for days, weeks and even months in some cases. If you suspect an abscess, seek farrier care immediately to locate and possibly drain the abscess to prevent further complications and help make your furry friend comfy.
🌟 Regular Hoof Care is Key! 🌟
Sticking to a consistent hoof care schedule is vital. Regular trims, cleanings, and check-ups can prevent these issues and keep your horse's hooves in top condition.
Remember, a well-maintained hoof means a happy and healthy horse which saves you time and money.
Don't wait until there's a problem—schedule your next hoof care appointment today!
Message me today to book your next visit. Let's keep our furry friends thriving this summer! 🐴❤️
