Care for Horses With Club Feet

Farrier Care

• Typically manageable by attentive shoeing and trimming by a qualified farrier, club foot varies from minor to extreme. According to Robert Hunt, DVM, a certified farrier with experience treating horses with club foot will evaluate the horse's condition to determine the best trimming and shoeing regimen for the club foot. This may require radiographs or extensive analysis of the horse's conformation.

  There are several ways to trim the horse's feet to minimize discomfort or encourage proper hoof growth. Typically, more frequent trimming is recommended to maintain the shape of the hoof. A farrier will generally lower the heel and protect the toe of the hoof with protective shoeing. Special shoes or composite extensions can also be applied that will encourage the toe to grow. Another common solution is adding extra padding to the shoes to prevent hoof damage.

  Close attention should always be paid to the horse's movement to watch for lameness or further damage to the hoof wall and sole.

Surgery

• Surgery is an option in seriously debilitating cases, according to Trinity Equine Practice in Townsend, Delaware. Veterinary surgeons can go in and release the ligament surgically to attempt to solve the club foot. During surgery the heel of the hoof will often be cut down and an extension added to the toe. Generally, Oxytetracyline will be administered to prevent infection and to relax the tendons. This is not 100-percent effective but is considered to be an effort for extreme situations.

Riding and Breeding

• In less serious cases, riding horses can still perform their duties without major issues as long as proper shoeing and trimming is maintained. Overworking a horse is likely to cause noticeable symptoms and further increase the club foot. Treating the club foot as early as possible will enable the horse to still perform. Horses with club feet should not be bred, as it is a genetic deformation that is often passed down to any progeny.