Page 207 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

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Figure 6.11 Checking the hoof balance: the foot is lifted and viewed from directly above the heels

Radiographic views

When radiographs are taken from the front of the foot to check the mediolateral balance:
• the lower surface of the pedal bone should be parallel to the ground

• the distal interphalangeal joint (coffin joint) should be parallel to the ground and the joint

space should be even from side to side.

Mediolateral imbalance may be caused by:
• poor trimming technique

• poor conformation which puts more stress on one side of the foot causing it to grow more

slowly than the other side
• the use of road studs or nails on one side of the foot

• untreated musculoskeletal issues in the horse’s body.

The effects of mediolateral imbalance include:

• hoof distortion and pain from laminar tearing
• sheared heels

• thrush