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EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION / AE / NOVEMBER 2020
of the hoof wall (Fig 1). If improvement is noted, this trimming regimen is continued and optimally performed at 2-week intervals. If the toe is constantly being bruised or undergoing abscessation, an acrylic or urethane composite (Equilox or Vettec) can be applied to the dorsal aspect of the sole and the distal dorsal aspect of the hoof wall to form a protective toe ‘cap’. The acrylic composite-impregnated fibreglass combination or urethane composite used to form the toe cap will cover the solar surface with a thin layer of composite from the margin of the dorsal hoof wall to the apex of the frog, protecting that area from further damage and creating or exacerbating lameness. Caution is advised when a composite cap is applied as the sole-wall junction may be stretched or have separations/fissures present which make it
a)
susceptible to infection. Any separations should be explored and then packed with clay or other suitable material prior to the composite being applied. A bevel toward the toe can be created in the composite with a rasp or motorised burr (Dremel tool) to facilitate breakover. If there is adequate integrity of the dorsal section of the hoof wall, the author believes the application of a toe extension to be unwarranted and contraindicated (O’Grady 2017). The above treatment for a mild flexural deformity is often
temporary as many foals will progress to a more severe deformity and thus the farriery appears to work best when initiated at the first sign of abnormal foot conformation before a marked flexural deformity is apparent. Whenever possible, the elimination of any possible or suspected inciting causes should be pursued. The farriery for a mild flexural deformity should always be combined with restricted exercise. If the affected foot continues to improve or does
not regress, conservative treatment is continued. If a mild flexural deformity progresses in severity to the stage where a marked flexural deformity is present, the foal becomes a surgical candidate.
Severe acquired flexural deformities of the DIPJ A mild acquired flexural deformity may progress in severity despite conservative treatment or a severe acquired flexural deformity may be acute in onset. A severe acquired flexural deformity is characterised by a foot with a hoof angle greater than 80°, a prominent fullness at the coronary band, a broken forward hoof-pastern axis, disparity in hoof wall growth distal to the coronet at the heel relative to growth at the toe and heels that fail to contact the ground (Fig 2). If the flexural deformity is allowed to persist, the foot eventually assumes a boxy, tubular shape due to the overgrowth of the heels to accommodate the lack of ground contact; heel
b)
Fig 1: a) Grade 1 flexural deformity. b) After the foot is trimmed. Note the bevel created under the toe. [Colour figure can be viewed at
wileyonlinelibrary.com]
© 2019 EVJ Ltd
Fig 2: Grade 3 flexural deformity. [Colour figure can be viewed at
wileyonlinelibrary.com]
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