Tag Archives: hoof care

Susan asked about her horse’s hooves…

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My horse was shod on Wed and pulled his shoes on Thurs.  

He’s been barefoot now for 4 days and has not been turned out.

 Because iof the extremely muddy conditions I’m considering not shoeing him this wk since there weather will be warming up and the snow will continue to melt and turning hin out indoors.  

He’s on the biotin supplement for his hoofs.  

Should we increase the dosage to reduce his ouchiness?  

What do you suggest?
Hoof Check

Hello Susan,

Biotin has Nothing to do with discomfort and is really just a simple B vitamin anyway.

There are many other factors involved in hoof care. Check out our Hoof supplement called Hoof check which has them all.

For your specific question I would suggest our Joint Check supplement as well.  

Thanks for asking!

Shelley’s questions about hoof care…

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Hi Dr. Dan,

I searched the archives regarding thrush and have decided to order the Grape Balm Hoof Healer.    

My problem is not only an on going battle with thrush (very wet here in Canada), but incredibly soft feet.  Both horses have 4 white feet, one is doing great, no thrush and does well barefoot.  The other one can’t kick thrush and although is barefoot, struggles on any surface other than grass.  He used to be shod, but I was still having problems with thrush and also contracted heels.  Since being barefoot, his heels are much better, but he has a lot of sensitivity in his feet.  Spraying apple cider vinegar has helped with drying them out, and he he has excellant foot growth.  I rasp every 2 weeks.  

I am worried applying the hoof balm will add moisture, or will it help toughen his feet?    

Do you recommend the balm for this horse?  Would the hoof check be a better way to go, or both.  How often do you apply the balm, is it a daily thing?  

Thanks Just waiting for your reply so we can order.  BTW, I am sure you know he is already on free choice Red Cal(high mag), Just Add Oats and Weight Check Oil.  

Shelley
 

Hoof Check for sure AND grape balm (applying every other day is generally enough) shouldn’t soften but won’t harden either.

Thanks for your support Shelley!

Melodie: my yearling has not coliced since late last winter (concerned about tapeworms)…

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Hi, Melodie here. Gyspy, my yearling has not coliced since late last winter now, "about"…

I have treated her for worms every three months with worm check, and each time I take a sample to the lab, a few weeks after, she has had worms again, sometimes a different kind- the last time she had, "some round worms", as the previous, as well as, "lots", of hook worms, as the time before that. I have gone through me first 12 pack and need to worm her again.

I want to check with you on the plan before going ahead and ordering more this week. Each time, I waited a bit to worm, about 3 months, thinking that more frequently might not be the best, and right now this seems to be routine for her. As we are headed into winter, and I also just ran out of the gut check I have had her on, "gone through 4 cans now", I am concerned about colic and don’t want to make any mistakes.

A local natural vet here that sees another owners horse on the property where I am at, warned her that tape worms are on the rise in a come back here, and that she is using the harsh stuff herself for her horse, as she is seeing some horses colic and die from it. She said you cannot detect them with the stool samples checks.

My thought was that if Gypsy had them, then why has she stopped her colic. I don’t think the gut check would have stopped it if tape worms were the case.

If Gypsy were yours, what would you do now? Continue worm check, or go to something else, and…. would you treat for tape worms at a different point in time as she now has round and hook worms? If you ever advise me to do something different than worm check, please advise what, as I have no knowledge about the rest.

Also, I want to know when you recommend a first hoove trim for Gypsy?

Thank you so much, "in advance" : )
Melodie
 
Hello Melodie, thanks for the update…

Hoofs honestly are never suggested just based on age. We actually start as babies usually though.

As for tapes, way over rated as to problems. Never even were an issue until there was a drug to take care of them. Now everyone "has" them. Anyway,  I would not wait 3 months until deworming each time. Deworm, re check in 3 weeks. If still positive then retreat then. Then check again in 3 weeks. If she continues to have heavy amounts then you could do something different. Just my opinions on what I would do is mine.

Also see www.WormCheck.com. There is an article called "oh crap" that may also add more info.:

http://askdrdan.com/OhCRAP/

Thanks For Asking!
 

Hooves and Laminitis question…

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My farrier has told me that my horse has swelling in his front hooves, laminitis.

He is not sore in his hooves when shod. He is not overweight either.  I don’t think he is trying to founder. He is turned out 24-7 with a walk in barn for shelter.  He gets a 1/4 of a scoop of Purina Strategy daily and pasture.

He is a large/tall horse, 16 hands.  I want to get his hooves in good condition.  They are okay but have never been great.  He is 14 years old.

I used to barrel race him but now I only trail ride.

What do I need to do to get his hooves healthy? Should I have blood work drawn?  He is immunized yearly and I take very good care of him.  I don’t know if the swelling is from stomping at flies.  I just want him to have healthy hooves.

My farrier is not sure what else I need to do for him to help his hooves get better.  Can you please help me?  I love my horse and want him to have a long, healthy, happy life.  I use your grape balm and I love it.

Thanks for your time.
Shawn T.

There are many things that could be done.

If he were mine, I  would consider a more natural diet… see the website: http://www.WhatToFeedYourHorse.com and especially listen to the audio there. I would highly suggest this feed change to start.   It is really impossible for me to diagnose what is going on with the feet. your veterinarian may be able to but doubt if blood work will help. doesn’t really sound like founder/laminitis though.   Please read the article on laminitis in our magazine- linked to from this site and our other sites.

The info is applicable regardless of cause especially as far future support. I would suggest our Joint Check for support now as well as our Hoof Check supplement  and  our RED CAL. do listen to the audio and enjoy the articles etc.  there are many articles, audios, videos to “glean” all sorts of info from.

Of course I always suggest Bug Check for all horses too. Thanks for asking!