Farriery in the treatment of acquired flexural deformities and a discussion on applying shoes to young horses

Flexural deformities of distal interphalangeal joints in a group of young donkeys

“…In this author's experience shoeing to protect the toe and adding an extension to the toe or raising it to counteract the flexor tendon pull i s often necessary. However, surgery i s often required in all but the mildest cases because the pull of the DDFT causes stress to the laminae of the dorsal hoof wall (Curtis 1992). A reduction of the plane of nutrition should also be implemented concurrently with other treatments.…”

Distal Check Ligament Desmotomy

“…The toe then acts as a fulcrum and the weight of the foal forces the coffin joint to extend. 9 In some cases treated conservatively, lowering the heel alone results in continued progression of contracture. This is presumably due to pain or damage in the dorsal lamina and third phalanx secondary to abnormal weight-bearing forces.…”

Flexural deformities in foals

“…Conversely, some advocate the application of a wedge under the heel to reduce the strain on the deep digital flexor tendon (Curtis 1992), although there is little evidence of its efficacy as a treatment. This treatment seems reasonable in the acute stage if the aetiopathogenesis of pain is accepted.…”

“…Corrective trimming of the feet and application of protective acrylic to the toes can be performed at this time. Corrective trimming should be aimed at restoring a normal hoof pastern axis (Curtis 1992).…”