Modifying the Height of Horseshoes: Effects of Wedge Shoes, Studs, and Rocker Shoes on the Phalangeal Alignment, Pressure Distribution, and Hoof-Ground Contact During Motion

Hagen, Jenny; Hüppler, Michael; Geiger, S.; Mader, Daniela; Häfner, F.

doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2017.01.014

Cited by 16 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…15 A commonly used wedge shoe increased the palmar angle of the distal phalanx on firm and penetrable ground by about 5.77 −4.73°. 14 The application of a wide toe shoe decreased the APIII on penetrable ground by about 0.9°. 15 Additionally, it was stated that the use of the examined horseshoes had no consistent or significant effect on the angulation of the middle and proximal phalanx.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Immediate effects of an artificial change in hoof angulation on the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint angle and cross‐sectional areas of both flexor tendons

et al. 2018

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Corrective shoeing is used to change hoof angulation with the intention to influence the angulation of the digital joints to reduce strain on associated tendons. The objective of this study is to examine how gradual changes in hoof angulation affect the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint (DMPJ) angulation and cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) concerning the individual toe conformation. Forelimbs of 30 horses were examined barefoot and equipped with 5°, 10° and 20° toe wedges (TWs) and heel wedges (HWs). Phalangeal angulation and lengths were measured in lateromedial radiographs of the digit. CSAs of both flexor tendons was calculated in sonographic images. Significant effects on the DMPJ and CSA of the DDFT/SDFT were measured with 10° and 20° HWs or 20° TWs. Both flexor tendons showed increasing CSA after heel elevation. Significant interindividual variations occurred. Phalangeal angulation and length influenced the responsivity of the parameters to a changed hoof angulation. Significant impact of corrective shoeing on the DMPJ and flexor tendons is related to a distinct change in hoof orientation and varies with individual toe conformation. Similar response of the DDFT and SDFT to raised and lowered hoof orientation needs further investigation for a more specific application of therapeutic shoeing.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Immediate effects of an artificial change in hoof angulation on the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint angle and cross‐sectional areas of both flexor tendons

et al. 2018

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“…However, crushed heels, cracks, or displaced bulbs may develop after Fig. 2 The differences in the percentages of vertical force between laminitic horses with and without the HCHW in relation to specific hoof regions long-term application of an HCHW [17]. Elevation of the heels may cause hoof contraction in the long term [18].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This distributes the load over a larger area without the need for impression material, which is required in other methods such as wooden shoes and the modified ultimate cuff [ 4 ]. However, crushed heels, cracks, or displaced bulbs may develop after long-term application of an HCHW [ 17 ]. Elevation of the heels may cause hoof contraction in the long term [ 18 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of heel elevation on breakover phase in horses with laminitis

et al. 2020

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Background In a laminitic horse, the maximal loading of the toe region occurs during the breakover phase. To date, no kinetic data demonstrates the effect of supportive orthopaedic therapy in horses with laminitis on breakover phase. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of heel elevation on the breakover phase. Eight horses with acute laminitis treated medically as well as with application of a hoof cast with heel wedge (HCHW) were included in this study. Immediately following cessation of clinical signs of acute laminitis, two measurements using the Hoof™ System were taken: the first with HCHW and the second immediately following removal of the HCHW, i.e. in barefoot condition (BFC). The hoof print was divided into three regions: toe, middle hoof, and heel. Kinetic parameters included vertical force (VF), stance duration, contact area (CA) for all hoof regions during stance phase, duration of breakover, VF in the toe region at onset of breakover and location of centre of force. Results The VF and CA were higher in the heel region (63 and 61%, respectively) and decreased significantly after removal of the HCHW (43 and 28% after removal, respectively). The breakover phase in horses with HCHW lasted 2% of stance phase and was significantly shorter than that in BFC, which lasted 6% of stance phase. The VF at onset of breakover for the toe region in horses with HCHW was significantly lower than that in BFC. The centre of the force was located at the heel region in all horses with the HCHW, and at the middle the hoof region in BFC. Conclusions Heel elevation in horses with laminitis as examined on a concrete surface significantly shortens breakover phase and decreases the vertical force in the toe region during breakover. HCHW provides adequate support to the palmar hoof structures by increasing the contact area in the heel region and incorporating the palmar part of frog and sole into weight bearing, thus decreasing the stress on the lamellae. Hoof cast with heel elevation could be a beneficial orthopaedic supportive therapy for horses suffering from acute laminitis.

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“…Another possibility is that shoeing causes slight but significant differences in the movement and loading of the distal limb even when the horse is accustomed to wearing standard iron shoes [9], hence changes in movement of the shod horses may have contributed to differences in PHC between treatments. Hagen and colleagues found that slight differences in shoe type could impact limb biomechanics [19]. A final consideration is that the additional weight of the horseshoe, which is lifted each time the horse picks up its hoof, may cause a change in the muscle tone or fascia of the leg and corresponding changes in PHC.…”

Section: Proximal Hoof Circumferencementioning

confidence: 99%

Changes in Hoof Shape During a Seven-Week Period When Horses Were Shod Versus Barefoot

Malone

Davies

2019

Animals

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This crossover study tested the hypothesis that hoof shape would differ after a seven-week period of horses (n = 11) wearing shoes versus barefoot. An ANOVA appropriate to a crossover design was used to assess the differences in the change in hoof shape over the seven-week period and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results are displayed as the mean difference for horses when shod versus barefoot ± the SEM for the left (L) and right (R) front hooves. Proximal hoof circumference (PHC) decreased when horses were shod and barefoot, but this decrease was greater when horses were shod (L −0.65 ± 0.16 cm; p = 0.0026; R −0.78 ± 0.13 cm; p = 0.0002). Hoof angle increased slightly when horses were barefoot and decreased when they were shod (L −1.70 ± 0.31°; p = 0.0004; R −1.84 ± 0.54°; p = 0.0079). Sole length decreased more when horses were barefoot, but this was only significant for the right fore (R 5.07 ± 1.06 mm; p = 0.0010). Solar circumference increased when horses were barefoot but decreased when shod (L −1.19 ± 0.41 cm; p = 0.0182; R −1.50 ± 0.31 cm; p = 0.0010). This is the first study to show a significantly lower PHC when horses were shod compared to barefoot. The study suggests that shod horses may benefit from a shorter shoeing interval to help mitigate the changes in hoof angle.

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Modifying the Height of Horseshoes: Effects of Wedge Shoes, Studs, and Rocker Shoes on the Phalangeal Alignment, Pressure Distribution, and Hoof-Ground Contact During Motion

Cited by 16 publications

References 23 publications

Immediate effects of an artificial change in hoof angulation on the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint angle and cross‐sectional areas of both flexor tendons

Immediate effects of an artificial change in hoof angulation on the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint angle and cross‐sectional areas of both flexor tendons

Effect of heel elevation on breakover phase in horses with laminitis

Changes in Hoof Shape During a Seven-Week Period When Horses Were Shod Versus Barefoot

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