Farriery for the hoof with a high heel or club foot.

This research article focuses on the best farriery practices for treating horses with a high heel or club foot, a flexural deformity that alters hoof shape and can occur at any life stage. The paper specifically discusses management of deformities involving the deep digital flexor tendon and distal interphalangeal joint, taking into consideration severity, duration, causes, and degree and source of lameness.

Understanding the Concept of Club Foot in Horses

• Club foot, or high heel, is a common deformity in horses where the hoof grows upward and outward, leading to an unusual walking pattern. This deformity can appear at any stage of a horse’s life, from birth to adulthood.
• The problem originates from issues with the deep digital flexor tendon and the distal interphalangeal joint. The deep digital flexor tendon connects the coffin bone to the rest of the body, while the distal interphalangeal joint is located within the hoof, connecting the pedal and the short pastern bones.

Farriery Management of Club Foot

• The authors suggest that the treatment of a club foot should consider the severity of the deformity, its duration, and etiology. A mild deformity might require simple hoof maintenance, while a severe and long-standing deformity might necessitate a more extensive approach, such as surgical intervention.
• Another factor influencing the management of the deformity is the degree and source of horse’s lameness. A horse may become lame or experience discomfort in response to the hoof deformity. Identifying and treating the source of this lameness is crucial for successful management.

Mismatched Hoof Angles

• The article also delves into the topic of mismatched hoof angles. This is when a horse has one hoof that looks different from the other, either in angle, length, or general structure. This issue causes uneven gait in horses and can lead to other health issues.
• How to manage mismatched hoof angles remains a controversial topic amongst farriers and veterinarians. Various solutions range from trimming and shoeing towards the ideal hoof conformation, to allowing the horse’s body to adapt to the mismatch and treating any resultant health issues. It’s an area that calls for more research to establish the best practices.