The vet is convinced the problem is his shoeing. He has been shod for
about a year now, always by the same farrier. I confess I don't
really know a lot about shoeing - certainly not enough to challenge a
farrier. Anyway, basically his toes are way too long and there is no
support for his heals. The vet believes this is putting too much
stress on the joints, and while this one is just the first to show
any sign of wear, the others probably would in a few years if nothing
was done.
So he has an appointment with their remedial farrier on Friday, and
is going to get a course of adequan (sp?) injections into that joint
just incase there is cartilage damage.
I meant to ask the vet about exercise, but forgot. Obviously we need
to take it easy, but some exercise is necessary to keep the cartilage
healthy. The problem really is when he is turned out (limited to
about 12hrs every other day on our yard) he seems to spend half his
time practicing his halt-gallop-halt transitions and 180 degree
spins.
Oh well, fingers crossed we acted soon enough and no permanent damage
has been done.
sue
sue.cunningham@mcc.ac.uk
http://www.tag.co.uk/snaffle/welcome.htm