"Grace"This horse had been foundered from systemic poisoning by grass and alfalfa 3 years previously and had laminitis in all four feet. With x-rays, we could see that this horse was in a similar state of founder as the two Tenn. Walkers (Jubilee and Sugar). The coffin bone had a ski tip and had dropped within the hoof capsule. Looking at the frontal view, you can see the wavy hairline indicating poor attachment in the Before photo. In the After photo you can see that that hairline is starting to become more horizontal. There was significant improvement early on. With the advantage of seeing the x-rays, I was able to know exactly how far I could lower the heels and back up the toe. What we are always trying to do is get the coffin bone ground parallel and have good hoof mechanism. I got this email from Grace's owner: "Grace is doing great! She's really walking all over with a nice stride and even trotting and cantering...." But then later, when the acorns started dropping, Grace had another laminitic episode. I think when you cannot remove the "triggers" for laminitis, you cannot make headway in getting coffin bone re-attachment if inflammation from toxins continues. |