THE MASSACHUSETTS EQUINE CLINIC

Rapid changes in technology have allowed us to suddenly do things to horse’s feet, both preventive and therapeutic, that were undreamed of a decade ago. Plastics that allow us to bond a aluminum shoe to the hoof without nails are now commonplace, and becoming better all the time. Alloys that absorb concussion, don’t remodel and allow the foot to maintain its physiology are suddenly being used in place of iron. The fact that the laminae no longer have to be punctured by nails is a giant step in the right direction. It is now possible for any practitioner to patch or repair a foot temporarily with minimum equipment using fiberglass casts, impression material and the many composites available. Few of us are ready, capable or willing to nail on appropriate shoes.  But with the available technology, we can create plastic or fiberglass composites on site that will allow us to solve immediate problems and prepare the foot for later application of conventional materials.

The foot is first trimmed as needed, then packed with impression material. The foot is the wrapped with elastic tape over which is applied 2 rolls of 5” fiberglass casting tape.  The foot is now stable, the animal can be shipped if necessary and shod at the appropriate time.