TB Mare - Hoof Cracks
TB mare in her early teens with chronic hoof cracks through to the coronet band. X-rays showed that her pedal bones were in remarkably good condition, giving rehab a more positive outlook. Often chronic cases will have damage to the pedal bone, making rehab more complex.
We used a cast and composite shoe package so that I could remove all the infected hoof wall and then stabilise the hoof capsule. The resected areas were packed with treatment, held in by the cast.
The mare was immediately more comfortable in her shoe package and this helped her to stay comfortable while she grew a new hoof capsule about 12 months from top to bottom for this mare. Once the resected areas were nearly grown out she was able to go barefoot with boots for riding.
Hoofcare was supported by changes to her diet and lifestyle. Reducing sugars and removing grain based products, providing balanced minerals and a forage based diet. Her owner set up a track around her paddock with electric tape to encourage gentle movement.
