I have an 11 yr. Arab. gelding that got spoked and broke free, only to run about 8 miles thru unchartered areas at a very fast run. He was shod and about 1/2 of those miles was on a hard country road. He is in OK shape and is usually ridden on a hard road. Could he have damaged his hooves. He was stiff and sore in his chest muslces, but seems to be OK after acouple of wks rest. I rubbed him down with linament on his chest. What should I look for if he has damaged his feet. Would it have shown up by now about 2 wks later.

Where are you from? Illinois

Hi Lianne,

Road founder can occur when a horse’s hooves take a beating on hard pavement for a long distance. However, you would likely see symptoms by now. If he does develop this condition, he will exhibit a characteristic “laminitis stance” where he will lean back on his back feet, and stretch out his front legs, in order to take weight off of his front feet.

If you notice this, or any other signs of lameness, you will want to contact your vet. Keep feeling his hooves. In early stages, his hooves will be very cold, since circulation will be limited. And, then shortly thereafter, the hooves get quite warm as blood rushes into the area.

Hope all goes well.

Dr. Getty