16/07/2024
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So if reducing the toe is your number one priority because of what you see on an X ray,(disregarding the strength or weakness/ functionality of any other part of the hoof)why are so many horses that have immediate removal of the toe become more hypersensitive and or lame?
Form gains functionality but if the sole and connections are weak and the rest of the hoof is not strong or functional then just creating a shape will not create functionality on its own?
The hoof surely has to have a healing process/ mechanism and if you create hypersensitivity,does this not create an opportunity for excessive inflammation which can slow down healing processes or in some cases excess sensitivity creates excess pain/ stress which has a massive effect on healing and the gut via excess stress?
Yes I know that then you would say anti inflammatory drugs would be used but these also have a negative side and a limited effect?
So somewhere does common sense not apply, where you remove the triggers, allow the equine to settle (apply veterinary advised drugs to reduce excessive inflammation),wait until the equine is comfortable and starts to want to move and lift its hooves, then start the rebalancing process by working at the back of the hoof and gradually reinstating the strength of the bonding/ functionality and sensitivity of the hooves, with very regular work and as increase in movement through comfort starts to occur,so the gradual return of form happens without having to add additional stress or inflammation and be able to reduce the use of strong drugs as recovery/ healing mechanisms kick in?
The first phase usually has an equine that no matter what someone does to the hooves , does not want to move at all and needs time to if you like de-stress
The second phase would be the willingness to want to start to move,signaling the possibility to reduce drugs, so the equine can start to feel the safe movement without increasing inflammation, this usually comes alongside a more up and down shortened stride(which then avoids increasing concussive engagement with the ground) starts to increase blood flow and feeds the repair process between all parts of the recovering body.
The next stage is the willingness to move forward and then you start to see the full range of motion and function of the hooves needing to push the supply of nutrients to the tissues in repair and recovery of the bonds between the components of the hooves, usually the back hooves recovering quicker ( not always)so the stability of the body becomes stronger and the recovering hooves require more good form in order to instate more functionality and if given a good environment over surfaces that aid the comfort and willingness to move the hooves show signs of willingness to break down excessive tissues and install more strength and functionality.
Surely as you start to see the increase in functionality,strength and reduction in stress then is the time to help with the process with sympathetic intervention trimming.
The process is very individual and the steps towards recovery will vary on the several factors and strength of each individual character.
Over the years I have seen so many equines, worldwide recover and also falter in the recovery process, sometimes with jumping from one protocol to another, which never seems to help, stability and a willingness to work with the healing process of the individual is what I see bringing the most positive results.
Just a few thoughts 😊