Re: navicular

[BMcCrary27@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/7/99 1:59:35 AM Pacific Standard Time, lkinsky@silcom.com
writes:

<< Another thing to be alert for is contracted heels, which effectively
 reduces the weight bearing size of the foot.  Since the contraction had
 occurred over a period of many months and shoeings my farrier and I didn't
 really notice what was happening until my gelding developed navicular
 syndrome.  >>

Contracted heels are usually caused by shoeing too tight, hence my suggestion
to have the horse shod with wider branches on the shoe to allow more expansion
of the heels on the foot.  I realize some horses are chronic shoe pullers and
wide branches exacerbate this problem, but it's worth a try.  Over a period of
time of shoeing tight, the heels contract, the farrier closes the branches,
the heels contract, and on and on .....

BMc