The effect of the z-bar shoeing method on surface dimension of the hoof wall and time required for therapeutic shoeing in three horses with a sheared heel

Strategic palmar trimming before conventional shoeing shows potential for managing underrun heels in horses

Background

Underrun heels are among the most hoof imbalances, causing poor performance in hoses. Several corrective shoeing protocols have been performed, but the outcomes have yet to be consistent. In this study, we proposed an alternative trimming protocol for managing underrun heels: strategic palmar trimming before conventional shoeing. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the potential of strategic palmar trimming before conventional shoeing for managing hoof imbalance in horses with underrun heels.

Methods

Eleven affected horses were divided into control (5 horses with 14 defective hooves) and experimental (6 horses with 16 defective hooves) groups. The experimental group underwent strategic palmar trimming before conventional shoeing, while the control horses received regular trimming before traditional shoeing. Dorsal hoof wall angle (DHWA)/heel angle (HA) ratios, heel-bulb distance, and six parallel lines indicating solar surface dimension were determined before, and after 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 weeks of the different trimming protocols. Palmar trimming distance was only measured in experimental horses.

Results

A group-by-time interaction was observed for DHWA/HA ratios and solar surface dimension. Separate effects for group and time were observed in the heel-bulb distance. A modification in hoof conformation was detected at 25-30 weeks only in horses in the experimental group, including decreases in DHWA/HA ratio, heel-bulb distance, and palmar trimming distance, coinciding with an increase in palmar width of trimmed hooves.

Conclusions

Different trimming protocols produced a different effect on hoof conformation. Therefore, tactical remedial trimming can potentially control poor hoof conformation in horses with underrun heels.

Z-Bar Shoeing Demonstrates Potential for Long-Term Foot Pain Management during an Exercise Training Regimen in a Show Jumping Pony with Uniaxial Palmar Pain

Z-bar shoeing has been implemented to relieve uniaxial palmar pain arising from the structures in the affected region. However, there have been no reports on the long-term application of the z-bar shoe during exercise training regimens. A 10-year-old mixed-breed show jumping pony presented with an occasional short stride and abnormal rhythm while turning during routine exercise for three months. Gait analysis conducted by trotting off on both hard and soft surfaces showed no lameness in the straight line on both types of surfaces. However, right forelimb lameness was detected with moderate and slight pain accompanying hard surface lunging in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, respectively. Sequential examination of uniaxial perineural anaesthesia confirmed that the pony suffered from medial palmar pain on the right foreleg. Mild distal border irregularity of the navicular bone was also observed radiographically. The z-bar shoe was designed relative to the palmar digital anaesthesia and subsequently applied on the lame leg. The pony demonstrated a marked reduction in lameness severity immediately post-Z-bar shoeing. Physical exercise was resumed a few days after the shoeing practice. The pony underwent routine exercise training while continuously fitting with the Z-bar shoe for 24 weeks without recurrent lameness or complications. Application of z-bar shoe showed the potential for long-term foot pain management during an exercise training regimen in a show jumping pony with uniaxial palmar pain.

An Evaluation of Current Preventative Measures Used in Equine Practice to Maintain Distal Forelimb Functionality: A Mini Review

Horses are used in a variety of equestrian disciplines predisposing them to musculoskeletal injury or disease including osteoarthritis and tendinopathy. As a result, a number of preventative measures are used within equine medicine and husbandry, ranging from therapeutic shoeing to the use of nutraceuticals. Despite their popularity and routine use evidence base and clinical outcomes are variable, bringing into question the efficacy of these prophylactic measures. In recent years a small number of studies have been performed examining the effect of specific strategies in order to quantify the preventative and protective claims such modalities have on joint and forelimb health. Few have robustly demonstrated a capacity to protect the limb by reducing inflammation, or promoting regenerative pathways. This review focusses on performance horses specifically, and the resounding theme that emerges in current research is the need for longitudinal studies to inform scientific conclusions surrounding single and multi-modal use. Furthermore, there is a requirement to prioritise evidence-based medicine to inform optimal clinical practice.