The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne2026; 67(9); 1013-1017;

Use of wooden shoes for the treatment of chronic laminitis in an American quarter horse.

Fursova, V

Abstract: An 11-year-old American quarter horse mare with bilateral forelimb lameness was examined at a mixed-animal veterinary clinic. Radiographs revealed rotation and distal displacement of the 3rd phalanx in each front foot, confirming chronic laminitis. Wooden shoes (Steward Clogs) were used successfully to manage the lameness. The findings from this case support the use of wooden shoes as part of the treatment of chronic laminitis in a general veterinary practice setting. Utilisation de sabots pour le traitement de la fourbure chronique chez un quarter horse américainUne jument quarter horse américaine de 11 ans, présentant une boiterie bilatérale des antérieurs, a été examinée dans une clinique vétérinaire mixte. Les radiographies ont révélé une rotation et un déplacement distal de la troisième phalange de chaque pied antérieur, confirmant le diagnostic de fourbure chronique. Le port de sabots (Steward Clogs) a permis de contrôler efficacement la boiterie. Les résultats de cette étude de cas appuient l’utilisation des sabots dans le traitement de la fourbure chronique en pratique vétérinaire courante.(Traduit par D Serge Messier).

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Publication Date: 2026-09-01 PubMed ID: 42699380PubMed Central: PMC13544539

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Summary

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Overview

This research article presents a case study where wooden shoes were used to treat chronic laminitis in an American quarter horse mare, resulting in successful management of lameness caused by the condition.

Introduction and Background

The subject was an 11-year-old American quarter horse mare suffering from bilateral forelimb lameness, a symptom indicative of pain or dysfunction in both front legs.
Chronic laminitis, a painful inflammatory condition affecting the horse’s hoof, was diagnosed through radiographic examination.
The radiographs specifically showed rotation and distal displacement of the third phalanx (coffin bone) in both front feet, typical signs of advanced laminitis.

Methodology

The treatment approach involved applying wooden shoes, known as Steward Clogs, to the horse’s affected hooves.
Steward Clogs are specialized wooden therapeutic shoes designed to provide comfort, reduce pressure on the damaged areas, and help support damaged structures within the hoof.
The treatment was conducted in a general veterinary clinic setting, demonstrating applicability outside specialized facilities.

Results

The use of wooden shoes successfully managed the mare’s bilateral forelimb lameness associated with chronic laminitis.
The management of lameness indicated an improvement in the horse’s comfort and mobility.

Conclusions and Implications

This case supports the efficacy of wooden shoes as a viable treatment option for chronic laminitis in horses.
The findings emphasize the practicality of using Steward Clogs within routine veterinary practice for managing laminitis, potentially broadening treatment options available to veterinarians.
The case also underscores the importance of diagnostic imaging in confirming the severity of laminitis and guiding treatment.

Summary

An 11-year-old American quarter horse mare with confirmed chronic laminitis and forelimb lameness was treated successfully using wooden therapeutic shoes.
The case demonstrates a practical, effective intervention in a general veterinary setting and contributes to the clinical knowledge on managing chronic laminitis.