Problems: Ultrasound shows separation of the deep flexor tendon on both front feet. The left shows about 50% separation, the right about 30%. In addition, the left front has a collapsed navicular bursa. He is also dealing with arthritic issues in the right hock from an old injury which causes loading onto the left front and explains why we have more damage to that side.
To help this horse we had to find a way to mechanically unload the flexor tendons to prevent more damage to the attachment on the bottom of the coffin bone. We also needed to improve the hock issues so that there was less pressure on the front feet.
I’ve learned a lot of lessons from a lot of different people over the years to create my own style of shoeing. The knowledge I gained from Dr. Ric Redden’s Equine Podiatry program was a big factor in figuring out how to help this horse. Equine Podiatry is an in-depth study of the internal workings of the hoof and hoof capsule. This specialized discipline focuses on how leverage, support, and outside pressure affect circulation, tendons, and ligaments.
When a horse has multiple issues a good vet/farrier team is needed to work thru the situation. I began working with Willow in a consulting role when the horse owner sent me a Movement Evaluation. We discussed options for helping her horse including a stretching program and regular massage. In addition, I spoke with her farrier about shoeing changes. The horse improved but over time new problems arose. Eventually the horse owner found a vet who was able to diagnose that the new problems stemmed from separation of the deep flexor tendon and collapsed navicular bursa. I reviewed the x-rays and ultrasound with the vet and discussed the horse’s movement patterns in detail. This is an excellent example of why a vet/farrier team can accomplish more for a horse than either one working independently. The more knowledge and information we have the easier it is to help the horse.
As it turned out, Dr. Vischer-Safron was a former colleague of Dr. Dick Mannsman of NC State University Equine Podiatry Center. I worked with Dr. Mannsman through Central Carolina Equine Clinic for 3 ½ years. Central Carolina was a podiatry based veterinary clinic that focused exclusively on lameness, rehab, and performance issues. In Willow’s case, the horse owner was exhausted by the search for quality care for her horse. She elected to follow her vet’s advice and brought the horse to live in NC so that I could shoe him on a regular basis. We found a good home for him with a professional trainer who works with him in a light in-hand exercise program. The owner visits her horse as often as time, money, and work allow. I am happy to say that the horse is currently healthy and sound. This is an extreme example, but there are a couple of key points I want to make.