So I was hoping to get some information on treatment of mild varus fetlock in foals (toeing in). I know the first step is corrective trimming/extensions under a vet’s supervision, but I’ve heard conflicting things from vets about whether it’s best to restrict the foal to a small turnout area for the first few weeks (and especially before the farrier has treated them), or whether unrestricted turnout is better? Foal is not lame and loves to gallop and buck around her pasture with her mother trailing behind.
Often mild limb deviations come right by themselves but varus limbs seem to be more difficult. Moderate exercise shouldn’t harm it if the limb is only mildly affected but mad hooning isn’t good in very young foals regardless of limb shape especially in deep going (tendons) or hard surfaces (bones/joints).
I have not used Dynasplints but I have used various corrective shoes on a variety of limb deviations, including forelimb varus. Exercise was always limited once the shoe was on to avoid excessive forces acting on the newly loaded limb, and to keep the shoe on, especially glue-ons. My only experience with a varus limb coincided with quite bad bi-lateral contracted tendons. For the varus limb, a tiny aluminium shoe with both toe and lateral extentions was made and glued in place. This plus additional splinting and wrapping for the contractures. The foal is 5 months now and there is no hint of either the contractures or varus issues.
At the very least corrective trimming should be considered, and then perhaps a wee hoof extention. The lower joint growth plates close the earliest, from 3-4 months, so the work needed to correct the deviation needs to be completed by then. This means getting started on it pretty quickly.
P strips are most common on valgus foals (maybe because valgus is more common?). This is often done after initial corrective work has failed. I would not be in a hurry to jump straight to P stripping.
Photos would be good…
[QUOTE=Kerole;7009225]
At the very least corrective trimming should be considered, and then perhaps a wee hoof extention. The lower joint growth plates close the earliest, from 3-4 months, so the work needed to correct the deviation needs to be completed by then. This means getting started on it pretty quickly.
Photos would be good…[/QUOTE]
We have an appointment scheduled for next week with farrier and vet to trim and maybe to add extensions. She’s only five days old so early days still. There’s a great farrier that I’ve used for performance shoeing that our vet recommends, but he’s on vacation next week so he said his assistant/journeyman could do it under the instruction of the vet. I’m looking at the Nanric extensions/glue ons that Ric Redden appears to have either endorsed or designed, any thoughts on those? Also, any idea on the easiest way to load up pics from my iphone? The hard part is figuring out if we should limit turnout until the farrier can come out next week. Our vet didn’t see a need to but most articles seem to suggest it.
I’ve had very good luck with the Nanric shoes. Once they are on you will definitely want to restrict turnout somewhat. I use a small paddock. Babies seem to have a talent for getting them off and searching a big field for a lost shoe isn’t much fun.
I found elastikon to be a very helpful addition to the glue. I’ve even used elastikon alone with success. You have to monitor the fit and adjust them as the hoof grows or they can pinch.
Haha - yes, looking for the tiny-but-hideously-expensive shoe in a big field. Not such a good way to spend several hours.
I spray paint mine flouro-pink!
You need to restrict the foal’s exercise with any limb deviation. Keep it in a stall until the limb resolves. This goes for even mild limb issues that mostly cure on their own. It’s essential not to overwork the already weak muscles and tendons!
Corrective heel, toe extensions are great for small deviations- glue and elastikon wrap it. The foal will easily break the glue alone because you never get a really good seal on newborn hoofs.
Martin Vidal at Davis recommended Dalric Glue On Shoe. My husband who is a composite fabricator and my farrier easily made up some heel extensions using their website as a guide and after a few days the mild issue was resolved.
I had a foal with severly contracted tendons- he needed far more extensive treatment and eventually surgery to correct the deformity. During the entire time he was restricted to a stall and it was emphasized over and over again how vitally important it was for his treatment.
Davis put out a publication on limb deformations in foals which was very helpful. I don’t know if you can get it online, they were handouts at the large animal clinic.
This. The extensions can quickly work miracles. Keeping them on is the key. I would restrict movement now. Once the extension is on, you need to restrict so that you can find it when it comes off. :winkgrin:
[QUOTE=tuckawayfarm;7010962]
I’ve had very good luck with the Nanric shoes. Once they are on you will definitely want to restrict turnout somewhat. I use a small paddock. Babies seem to have a talent for getting them off and searching a big field for a lost shoe isn’t much fun.
I found elastikon to be a very helpful addition to the glue. I’ve even used elastikon alone with success. You have to monitor the fit and adjust them as the hoof grows or they can pinch.[/QUOTE]
Thanks everyone! I connected with Dr. Redden (designer of Nanric products) on Friday, and we had a couple of pairs of the Nanric foal extensions shipped to us. The extensions are a newer product and apparently stick on better, and they allow the hoof to breathe better since they don’t cover the whole foot, plus they are less expensive ($24 a pair instead of $50). Dr. Redden was extremely helpful and provided his cell number so our farrier could call him for tips. Our vet had given us the name of two farriers with experience with babies. One was on vacation (very good farrier I’ve used before for my event mare), and the second isn’t taking new clients generally, but agreed to make an exception and come on Tuesday. Filly and mom are now now restricted to stall and attached small run (20X30), which filly is not happy about, now that she’s had a taste of galloping around the pasture. Such is life.
