PPID (aka Cushings Disease) is often accompanied by laminitis. Laminitis occurs when the tissue holding the coffin bone to the hoof wall (called the laminae) becomes inflamed. This leads to the connective tissue tearing, as well as the potential rotation/sinking of the coffin bone (The Principles of Horseshoeing, Dr. Doug Butler, P.546).
When the vet gives a diagnosis of laminitis, farriers need to be diligent in how we trim. Horses who have foundered often have less sole depth at the toe, so being sparing and avoiding trimming out the sole is vital. When the coffin bone is rotated downwards, our trimming attempts to balance out and align the bone to a more correct state. That often includes shortening the toe in order to relieve strain off the compromised hoof wall, and lowering the heels in accordance to information given by the veterinarian and radio-graphs (x-rays) of the hoof.
Horses with laminitis often grow hoof faster than an unaffected horse. Excess strain on the hoof wall caused by lack of maintenance and overgrowth can lead to a worsening of symptoms. By keeping a regular trimming schedule of anywhere from 5-8 weeks (duration determined by consultation with your farrier and vet), the odds are more favourable that the horse can be kept comfortable and sound long-term.
Sara Weisbrodt is a graduate of Kwantlen Polytechnic University's farrier program. She apprenticed under a local farrier for four years, and has been running her own practice since June 2018. She is a believer in education and life-long learning, and uses her page to promote education around horse hoof care and health to empower horse owners to be able to make educated decisions on how to best care for their equines.
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This wonderful post is written by Sara Weisbrodt, the farrier that the PG branch of Amazing Grace Horses is honored to partner with. Thank you so much Sara!
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