Case Study 'N'
In March 2022 I was asked to trim pony 'N', on presentation it was clear this was more than usual overgrowth. The pony did not have raised pulses or heat in the foot. I nippered off the length I was comfortable with and the owner phoned the vet to organise radiographs. Seeing as the left fore was visibly the most pathological, radiographs were taken on that foot just a few days later.
The radiographs confirmed that 'N' had chronic laminitis damage with severe demineralisation of the pedal bone. With accurate knowledge of sole depth and toe length I was able to remove the excessive hoof horn, utilising tendon tests to make sure I was not overstressing the flexor tendons by reducing heel height. 'N' was instantly more comfortable post trim and cantered across the field for the first time in a long while.
With a frequent trim cycle the growth rate in the heels stabilised and a tighter growth line started to appear from the coronet. Trim by trim I have reduced heel height and shortened breakover of the foot. I have started to reduce the dorsal wall flare significantly now that the new angle of growth is more than halfway down the foot. With the bone demineralisation 'ski tip' the foot may permanatly have growth abnormalities, but the pony is comfortable with no current inflammation.
Case Study 'T'
'T' is an Arab who has always been barefoot who, due to bone misalignment in the pastern area and excessive unbalanced landings, had quite an uneven foot when I started trimming. On picking up the leg, the foot bent inwards and although the foot was balanced to itself, it was aiding the misalignment of the limb. It is not always suitable to try and improve these issues, bony growth can form in the joints, soft tissues can harden, meaning that attempting to improve the abnormality can lead to discomfort. As 'T' was sound and keeping up with regular ridden work, I decided to slowly try and improve the angles. Pictures from pre trim first visit June 2021.
Each visit I rebalanced the foot and reduced flares, bringing the toe back to improve breakover and the excessive pressure going through the medial toe. 'T' has now seen a reduced occurance of abscesses whilst remaining sound throughout. We still have improvements to be made in the caudal structures of the hooves which can now even up with more balanced landings. These pictures show pre and post trim September 2022.
