Summary
A 13-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was treated for severe laminitis with Animalintex poultices, Farrier’s Formula®, Pegasus Laser Therapy, and Soft-Ride Boots, which allowed for the growth of new hoof walls after the old hoof walls had rotated away and sloughed off. These therapies to increase circulation and provide nutrition to the hooves were successful in returning the gelding soundly to his previous level of work after 18 months.
Right Hind Sole 07/02/2012
Introduction
Laminitis in its most simple definition is inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof wall. The cause however can vary from trauma, to grain overload, to toxins, and beyond. This case study is meant to show that even the most severe of cases have a chance of survival and return to work if we attempt to help the body heal itself rather than use our traditional treatment regimes. However, the key to success relies on the presence of a willing and diligent owner, veterinarian, farrier, and above all a patient that is willing to be treated.
Left Fore Medial 07/18/2012
Nutrition
In conjunction with antibiotic treatments, he received daily Probios. Free-choice grass hay was available at all times. Daily ration consisted of ½ cup Life Data® Forage Balancer. Hoof supplement consisted of 1/2cup Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength. Fresh water was also available at all times.
Right Hind Wall Resection 8/20/2012
Results
- Hooves remained intact and grew at an increased rate.
- The hoof wall that was present at the onset of the laminitic episode rotated away from P3 on each hoof. (see Left Fore Medial 7.18.2012).
- The dead soles were removed at the beginning of the 3rd month of treatment. (see Right Hind Sole 7.2.2012).
- The outer hoof walls detached at 4.5 months of treatment. (see Right Hind Wall Resection 8.20.2012).
- New hoof wall grew in at the correct angle and did not associate with the old hoof wall. Hooves continued to grow and at 11 months all hooves had grown to touch the ground. (see Right Hind Lateral 3.30.2013). He remained tender on the front hooves but was able to have his back boots removed at that time.
- At 18 months aluminum Natural Balance shoes were applied to his front hooves and he was able to trot off sound.
Right Hind Lateral 03/30/2013
Discussion
The combination of Animalintex poultices, Farrier’s Formula®, Pegasus Laser therapy, and Soft-Ride Boots led to a full recovery of a horse that should not have survived. Animalintex poultices allowed for debris and waste products to be removed from the body without the need to recirculate through the body. Farrier’s Formula® provided the nutrition needed for increased hoof growth. Pegasus laser therapy allowed for increased circulation to get the nutrients where they were needed most, as well as provide pain relief from standing in the “founder stance”. Soft-Ride Boots provided support and protection to the bandaged hooves as well as increasing circulation during the times he did choose to stand.
Right Hind Lateral 05/29/2013
E. Jones Williams, DVM
Stable & Stock Veterinary Services, PLLC
Watertown, TN USA
