4-year-old Quarter Horse
Shod regularly because of undiagnosed hoof pain
X-rays show no navicular changes
May 2008
Picture 1
- Flat thin soles with no concavity indicates approximately 1/8" thick sole protecting the coffin bone. Some blood at the laminae indicates tearing because of being shod and having it's weight hanging from the laminae.
- Heel purchase is migrated approximately 2 1/2 " forward from where this base of support should be. Also called "underslung heels."
- Frog has no lateral support from the heel purchase or bars which were trimmed away. The frog is bruised and was also a good 3/4 " above the ground when in shoes.
- Walls are thin and disconnected from the coffin bone.
Picture 2
Explanation of picture 2:
- Black arrow shows where heel purchase is.
- Red arrow shows where heel should be.
Picture 3
Explanation of picture 3:
- Sole is now starting to flake slightly and is becoming concave.
- Heel purchase is back further to give lateral support to the frog and is gaining substance. Notice that the bars are building cells.
- The frog is no longer bruised and is healthier.
- The walls are no longer chipping but are still thin and weak.
Picture 4
Explanation of picture 4:
- Black arrow shows where heels are now. He has grown quite a bit more support above the arrow which will eventually be a functional heel.
