Page 271 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• Reverse shoes (normal shoes put on back to front).

• W shoes have a heart bar and open toes.
VetBooks.ir The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the circumstances of each

individual case.

Surgical treatments

VERTICAL GROOVING OF THE HOOF WALL

In order to minimize distortion of the hoof capsule due to the accelerated growth rate of the

horn at the heels, a vertical grooving technique has been devised. A vertical groove which
extends from the coronary band to the ground surface is made through the whole thickness of

the hoof wall at approximately 30 degrees on each side of the dorsal midline (Figure 6.51).
This prevents the lifting of the dorsal hoof wall and the painful stretching and tearing of the
sensitive tissues underneath. Styrofoam pads are applied and left on for approximately 2

weeks to protect and support the sole. The hoof wall becomes moist and softens under the
tape and this helps the function of the grooves. This procedure has been used early in the

acute stages of the disease and also in the chronic recurrent stages to successfully reduce the
pain experienced by affected horses and ponies. The procedure will not, however, prevent

rotation or sinking in severe cases.