Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Founder, a disease which affects the hooves of farm animals, results in severe damage to and discomfort in animals who come down with it. This condition, while well known by those who own and raise horses, is actually quite common in cattle as well. According to Lea White Farms, the damage and discomfort to the affected animal, regardless of whether it is bovine or equine, is often devastating.
A horses's weak or soft hooves can be a side effect of unlucky genetics or extended exposure to wet conditions. A horse with a soft sole or frog may experience lameness issues due to the frog or sole becoming bruised and tender as the horse walks through rough terrain or gets a rock stuck in its foot. Hardening up the frog and sole of a horse's foot can be done in several ways but may be most effectively done by combining techniques.
Covering your horse's hooves can be an important part of its treatment for chronic laminitis, navicular disease, punctures, sole bruising, contracted heels, lower limb or hoof problems, and recovery and rehabilitation after surgery or injury. Shoe covers can also be used as protection for horses that cannot tolerate prolonged time on hard surfaces, as emergency shoe replacement, as a defense against splits and nicks when unshod, or as therapy boots. Therapeutic hoof covers and pads reduce strain on joints and the connective tissue surrounding them, and enable the horse stay comfortably mobile while healing.
Equine foot care is essential to a horse's health and well-being, but it can contribute to tired and painful back muscles of those performing the hoof maintenance. Using a hoof jack allows the weight of the horse's leg to be supported on a stand rather than by the handler during trimming, rasping or shoeing. If you do not have a farrier supply store nearby, make your own hoof jack using the agitator out of a washing machine. An agitator is the correct height and shape, has a wide base and is strong enough to hold up the horse's leg.
A horse suffering from a bruised hoof will exhibit a purplish or dark gray discoloration on the sole of the foot. The visible bruise may be fresh or the result of an injury that occurred several months ago. The horse often shows signs of mild lameness when the injury first occurs with no discernible bruising.
Often a horse comes up lame due to a sole bruise. These bruises can be easily identified by red spots or specks on the hoof sole.
Even with regular trimming and shoeing, a horse may become lame for many reasons. One of the most common reasons for lameness is bruising to the hoof sole, easily recognized by red spots or specks.
The hooves of a cow form two wide, continuously growing claws covered in thick horny material called keratin and separated by a tissue-filled space. A cow's hoof wall grows approximately 3/16 of an inch monthly and, when damaged, will totally regenerate in 14 months, say animal experts at the Farm Animal Shelters website. Your cow's feet need to be trimmed regularly by a professional trimmer to prevent overgrowth and the subsequent injuries that lead to lameness and diseases.
Many of the medical instruments used by veterinarians are the same as those used on human patients. Devices such as stethoscopes, thermometers and surgical tools are similar if not identical to those used by physicians, especially in dog and cat practices. Veterinarians working with larger or more exotic animals have special instruments they must use on their patients.
Hoof boots are coverings that protect a horse's hooves from rough ground or to protect a hoof that is injured and that needs medicating. The two types of boots are different. Boots for riding are made of tough rubber and must be purchased. Treatment boots can be made from common household items.
Although only the size of tea saucers, horse hooves must support over 1,000 pounds of weight. This means that horse foot problems are among the most common equine ailments. If you suspect your horse is suffering from a foot problem, learn how to get an idea of what the condition might be.
Proper care of a horse's hooves is crucial to the health of the horse. Hooves are well-suited to carrying the weight that they must bear as well as withstand the impact of a galloping horse. As well-made as they are, they are still susceptible to a number of ailments and problems.
A horse's hooves are one of the most important parts of a horse's anatomy. Without a well-structured and healthy hoof, a horse can become lame or limited in the work he can do, and that's not usually a good thing for the owner. Read on to find out what you can do and what you can't if your horse has a hoof disease.
Hoof crack is a condition common in horses that causes the hoof to become weak and crack. Hoof crack makes a horse unstable and weak. Preventing hoof crack keeps your horse from injury and infections. Horses get hoof crack from many different causes. Do what you can to prevent hoof crack and keep your horse healthy.
Hoof crack is a very dangerous condition in horses that causes injury and infection. Properly treating hoof crack is the only way to insure your horse remains healthy and prosperous. If your horse has cracks in his hoofs, treat him immediately.
