clarita
Elementary Poster
Posts: 65
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Post by clarita on Dec 22, 2009 16:35:04 GMT 1
Hello everyone. I know there are lots of people on here who've had loads of experience with foals and I am having a few worries with my first boy! He is TB / polo pony cross, 6 months old, and developed a mild club foot (front right) when he was about 2 months old. He has been treated monthly by a specialised farrier, who has put on a special shoes, and taken regular x-rays. Yesterday the farrier came and took off his shoe as the foot has now corrected...but my boy is now lame on the opposite front leg! (and a little sore on the front right). It improves after he has walked a few steps - and he is as happy as larry in himself. Spoke to farrier who said it was normal in the first week / 10 days after removing the shoe, as he needs to readjust. Farrier is a specialist (and lectures in veterinary universities on correctional shoeing in youngsters) but I am still a little worried as I have had a run of bad luck with my gee gees recently, and thought things were finally getting better! Apologies for the lack of 'technical' language - I live in Switzerland and the farrier only speaks French so I don't have technical translation! Any thoughts / experience / re-assurance or otherwise?
Thank you all very much & MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Clarita
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 22, 2009 17:00:44 GMT 1
sorry to hear this, no advice really just wanted to pass on xmas wishes xxxx
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Post by highlanderpony2002 on Dec 22, 2009 17:09:07 GMT 1
merry christmas I would agree with the farrier as they can be a bit footy once the shoe comes off and if it has been as icy and rutty where you are this may be a factor. Would keep and eye on it and see if it improves with a few days or if it gets worse quickly I would treat for an abcess as they too are quite common in foals
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clarita
Elementary Poster
Posts: 65
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Post by clarita on Dec 23, 2009 10:45:32 GMT 1
Thank you Portiabuzz : -)) Good point about possible abscess highlanderpony ... he was alot worse when i saw him last night - could barely walk poor baby, so the farrier is coming back today - I will ask him to check for an abscess. Fingers crossed!!
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Post by highlanderpony2002 on Dec 23, 2009 10:52:01 GMT 1
hope it is as it is easily and quickly treated with no sinister overtones Goodluck and best wishes
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Post by ladynowak on Dec 23, 2009 11:10:16 GMT 1
As the shoes were only taken off yesterday then I would think that it is 'normal' and if the farrier is happy and the pony is happy in himself, I wouldn't be too concerned at the moment. If you are at all worried I would get the farrier back out to see him, I am sure he would prefer that to getting called out on Christmas day!!  |
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Post by june on Dec 23, 2009 20:26:40 GMT 1
I'd guess it will take time to adjust but abscesses are common in youngsters as their feet are fairly soft. They usually show up as slight lameness then get very much worse over a few days until they are hardly weight bearing on them.
If it is an abscess the best way I've found to get them to burst is to soak the foot in warm water for about 20 mins deep enough that it covers the coronary band and then poultice with a disposable nappy dampened with warm water (too much water and it bursts!) then wrapped in vet wrap to keep it in place. A figure of 8 type wrap with the vet wrap works best, right up over the heel bulbs. Check it isn't too tight round the top when you've finished and if it is, just ease it off with scissors.
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clarita
Elementary Poster
Posts: 65
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Post by clarita on Dec 24, 2009 19:01:05 GMT 1
Farrier came back yesterday and it seems he had taken the shoe off just a little too early - luckily so sign of an abscess or anything more sinister... young boy is now the proud owner of a 'talonette', (literal translation - 'mini high heel' - which tickles me rather  ) thank you all for your thoughts - really appreciate the good advice... HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE to everyone and all our wonderful Neds!!! Clarita |
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 24, 2009 22:49:10 GMT 1
glad hes ok! Xmas wishes to you xx
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Post by arabmania on Dec 26, 2009 1:22:12 GMT 1
I would deffo be seeking the help and experience of a barefoot trimmer. farriers have their place but as you have a youngster it may be the best route for you.
i use an EP (equine podiatrist) they are very experienced and extremely helpful. what area are you?
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Post by june on Dec 26, 2009 17:07:27 GMT 1
She's in Switzerland arabmania.
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clarita
Elementary Poster
Posts: 65
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Post by clarita on Dec 27, 2009 14:55:44 GMT 1
Thanks ArabMania... I am indeed in Switzerland but luckily I do have a good barefoot lady for my retirees - she will be taking over my youngsters care once he's sorted!!
Happy New Year Everyone!!
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