Hello Rhonda,

Unfortunately, I have encountered many laminitis cases due to poor farrier work and I agree with Tamara that you should definitely find a different one.

Not knowing what his health and history are like, it's difficult to say, however, if the poor trimming -- or lack of trimming -- contributed to the laminitis. However, it certainly did not help.

I have used Tamara's idea of having a water soaked area next to the water trough, to allow the feet to get some moisture. This is a dry time of year in Texas and anything you can do to wet down the hooves is worth the effort.

A hoof supplement is a good idea but keep in mind that if you are feeding the recommended amount of Safe Choice, you may be overlapping nutrients by giving Farrier's Formula. Instead, go with a hoof formula designed to go along with a fortified feed. I recommend Bio Flax 20.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Thanks so much, Tamara, and Dr. Getty, Long time getting back on site. Many family things going on. One son home from war, he and his wife have new baby, other son in service came in with wife to see new baby. So, my reg farrier came back in town finally. He felt so bad about my three horses quack farrier experience he trimmed all three at no charge.So, the toes were cut short. The limping gelding, limped more for about two more weeks,I put him on a devel claw liquid sup. and just this week has begun to move better. I do over flow water tank, and flood the place once a week when I clean it. I,ve talked to a natural trimmer, and have pete rammeys book. The natural trimmers dont service this area. My mares are black hooved arabs, and have never had foot issues.I know everyone will say white hooves arent more inferier, I just see such a difference in them. He is a very large horse at 16.2 hands, so perhaps that causes issues. I do all I can do to keep it natural, and healthy.Everyone is fleshy,and shiney, with dapples in the hair coat.I found a place close that sells Triple crown, and have concidered changing feed.About three years ago tried hoof sup. for about six months, didnt see any change in hooves. Now if I lather hooves daily with a moistureizer, that seems to help, I just get lazy about it. Its only been recently that I felt I could trust him enough to treat his hind feet.I had to suck it up, and become a better leader for him.We think this horse is proud cut.Between the Parelli,s and Clinton Anderson, I have more confidence with him. Besides,I,m an Arab person, and get along better with mares oddly enough,I guess being a woman, I understand mood swings. Ha! Always a pleasure to visit this site. so many wonderful well informed horse people, and a Doctor who cares. Thanks so much, Rhonda

Where are you from? Texas

How did you locate this forum? Browsing

Hi Rhonda,

You must be so proud, congrats on the new baby!

I am glad to hear your reg farrier is back. Did he give any advice on the lameness? If he continued to limp for two more weeks after properly being trimmed, he may well have developed a slight case of laminitis from the previous trim. I agree with Dr. Getty, bad trims can cause laminitis, but if treated promptly, can be cured. A proper trim is a good start.

If he is moving better now after giving him the supplement, it's helping. I would continue to monitor him closely anyway, if he did have laminitis, he will be susceptible to reoccurring bouts.

Good luck with him, and please post what your reg farrier said about it. I'd be interested to know.

Happy Trails,
Tamara

Where are you from? Ontario Canada

Hello Rhonda,

Thanks for the update. Hoof supplements generally take more than 6 months to see improvement, so patience and diligence help in this regard. Feeding the hoof from the "inside, out" is better than moisture on the outside in terms of feeding living tissue.

Keep up the good work and keep me posted.

Dr. Getty

P.S. Thank your son for me for his service.

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO