Re: Stone bruises & hoof hardeners

[Ruth Bourgeois <ruthb@tdsi.net>]

Susan Evans Garlinghouse wrote:
 
> Ummm, formaldehyde is highly toxic and I believe a carcinogen---and
> gloves won't get around it, as it's highly volatile (turns into
> vapours).  They don't even use it in biological supply houses anymore in
> favor of formalin (and even that isn't a toy).  I think you can get the
> same hardening benefits without the risk by using iodine or something
> else.  Any hardening benefits to formaldehyde are not worth the risk to
> your own health, folks.

I use Venice turpentine, available from most vet supply catalogs, to
toughen up my horse's soles if necessary. That's what my farrier
recommended. The full strength iodine also works. 

Ruth