Page 1153 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

Foot Care and Farriery 1119

This amount of heel ideally corresponds to the difference in Mismatched feet are usually defined as forefeet confor­
length/height between the two heels. Lowering the hoof mation that have a high or upright hoof angle on one
VetBooks.ir between the shoe and the hoof wall on the displaced side of foot (Figure 11.39). 13,35,36 The difference between the
foot and a low hoof capsule angle on the contralateral
wall at the quarter/heel will create a wedge‐shaped space
forefeet conformation of mismatched feet is variable in
the hoof, permitting the displaced heel to descend distally
and settle into a more acceptable configuration. No nails severity and can range from a high hoof angle with a
should be placed in the shoe palmar to the origin of the straight HPA or a club foot with a flexural deformity in
second trim as this would inhibit the displaced section of one foot to an overloaded low heel on the contralateral
wall from descending distally. This type of selective trim­ limb. The mass, integrity, and difference in heel height is
ming combined with a straight‐bar shoe effectively unloads usually the main contributing factor in creating the
the section of the heel/quarter that is being displaced and mismatched dorsal hoof angles (Figure 11.40). Limb
decreases the disproportionate forces on the foot length disparity has been suggested as a cause for mis­
(Figure 11.38). In less severe cases, an open steel or alu­ matched feet although it has not been substantiated.
minum shoe can be used instead of a bar shoe adhering to Mismatched feet may contribute to poor performance,
the principles of trimming described above. subtle lameness, and a shortened cranial phase of the
stride. Traditional farriery seeks to elevate the heel on
the low foot and therefore match the hoof angles of the
Mismatched Feet
forefeet. However, this practice should be discouraged,
The management of mismatched hoof angles remains a and treatment should be based on farriery principles to
controversial subject for both the farrier and veterinarian. improve the structures and function of the individual foot.

A B

Figure 11.38. Straight‐bar shoe used to stabilize the hoof capsule and decrease the vertical movement of the heels (A) shoe with the
medial heel unloaded (B). Note the quarter crack, which is often present with a sheared heel.

A B
Figure 11.39. A pair of mismatched forefeet. Note the different hoof angles (A, B) and the mild broken‐forward hoof‐pastern axis on the
upright foot on the left (A).