Farriery for the hoof with low or underrun heels.

The research study discusses underrun heels in horses, a common deformation where hoof walls bend and lengthen, decreasing strength and functionality. The study aims to identify effective treatment maintaining foot health, soundness, and preventing further deformation, especially in regularly working horses.

Understanding Underrun Heels

• This problem in horses refers to a hoof deformation where the horn tubules of the horse’s heel undergo bending and lengthening, causing a decrease in the hoof’s strength and functionality.
• These heel conditions can vary greatly in their clinical presentation. Several factors contribute to this, including the duration of the occurrence, the severity of the distortion, the existence of any secondary health problems, and the presence of lameness.
• Underrun heels can notably affect the horse’s performance, causing issues like lameness and complications in normal hoof movement and function.

Primary Treatment Goals

• The primary goals when treating underrun heels revolve around preserving the horse’s soundness and the functional integrity of the foot.
• Veterinarians also aim to establish a normal hoof capsule, which is critical for the overall foot health of the horse.
• This may involve corrective farriery techniques, which require a comprehensive understanding of hoof anatomy and careful management for successful treatment outcomes.

Managing Heavy Work or Performance Horses

• For horses in heavy work or performance schedules, fully resolving underrun heels can be challenging.
• Thus, in such scenarios, the realistic goals revolve around maintaining hoof function, reducing lameness, and arresting or halting the progression of the hoof distortion.
• The study highlights the significance of appropriate foot care and regular check-ups for horses in heavy work schedules to prevent further hoof deformations and ensure their optimal performance.