I’m excited to begin reading my new book PBM – a diary of lameness by Tony Gonzales.  From what I understand he was an incredible farrier from Hawaii offering and writing about his horse shoeing experiences.   I’ll keep you in touch and let you know what I find out.

More information coming soon.

Left Front – Lateral x-ray

LH – Lateral x-ray

Thanks for looking.  For more information please email Andrew Grimm, Farrier at farrier@andrewgrimm.net .

Soft Pad 2x softer than CS

All horses are not created equal.  Many horses we work on require something a little different to obtain comfort and soundness for longevity of the animal.  This horse requires a different type of pour in pad called a “soft” pour in pad.  Compared to the Equi Pak CS the soft pad is 2x’s softer and has more consistent density when used in cold weather.  Some horses benefit from a softer pad that’s less dense, creating less pressure on sensitive areas of the sole while still supporting the hoof and sharing load.  When we use the pour in pad we use a mesh between the shoe and the hoof.  The mesh can be seen in the picture very well and it’s used to help the pads stay in place for 6-8 weeks.

White Line Disease

Front hoof with WLD

White Line Disease (WLD) is a hoof infection located between the hoof wall and bone in the area called the White Line.   If left untreated  it can cause lameness, and impair hoof function.  In order to treat the infected area the laminae must be exposed and treated with medicine.  The two ponies pictured in this post are overweight and have previously had laminitis.  Laminitis predisposes a horse to WLD because of the weakened attachments between the primary and secondary laminae; resulting in small crevices, peftect for the growth of bacteria and fungus.  These ponies will be monitored from trimming to trimming; ensuring all the infection is gone.  Eventually the hoof will grow down and the problem will be resolved.  For more informatio please contact us at Farrier@andrewgrimm.net or call us at 301-416-0043.  Thanks.

Forged to fit on a toed in horse

Hoof surface side of shoe

Today, many shoes can be purchased to treat a variety of hoof problems but, it’s important for a farrier to learn how to make a shoe if needed.  This shoe: made from a flat piece of steel is forged to fit on a toed in horse.  The outside branch is fit wider than the foot and the nail holes are punched where the foot really is.

Red Bruise - close to the point of frog

Sole Bruising will affect almost every horse at some point in time.  A bruise is red in color, and can be seen best along the surface of a freshly trimmed sole.  Commonly caused by a concussive, or direct external trauma to the sole; lameness may, or may not be present as the bruise develops.  Some further develop into an abscess, while others will not.  Bruising is often a result of inadequate sole thickness.  A thick sole is required to protect the fragile coffin bone.  Some horse breeds (like the Thoroughbred Horse) commonly have thin soles and thin hoof walls; predisposing them to sole bruising.

Some hoof diseases like Laminitis and Founder can produce large amounts of hoof bruising.  Other horses develop bruises by stepping on sharp objects like, a rock in the pasture or, the clip on a horseshoe.   In the winter, when the ground becomes hard and frozen, horses can bruise their sole and become “tender-footed”.  Barefoot and Shod horses ridden frequently on hard, un-forgiving, abrasive surfaces may become foot sore; developing bruises until a horseshoe, boot, pad, or cast is applied for protection.  Repetitive sole bruising can result in a degeneration of the coffin bone.  Hoof Testers when used by a skilled farrier or, veterinarian can help locate a bruise not seen from the bottom of the hoof.

Advanced Case of White Line Disease

White Line Disease

Although not as prevalent in Maryland as in other hotter, more humid parts of the country such as the south east and mid west, white line disease (sometimes referred to as seedy toe), can affect horses in this area. 

 It is not truly a disease, rather an infection.  There’s some dispute as to whether the infective organisms are bacterial, fungal, or a combination of both.  To you as a horse owner, it’s more important for you to recognize and treat it before it spreads and becomes a serious problem. 

 White line disease typically starts with a mechanical failure of the white line.  The white line is responsible for the rigid connection between the hoof wall and the coffin bone.  Once there’s tearing, and weakening of this area, small spaces and cavities become perfect breeding grounds for fungal or bacterial organisms that are commonly present in the soil. The moist, dark, airless space further provides a perfect medium for fungal and bacterial growth.

 The first sign of WLD is most readily observed by your farrier during a routine visit.  With the shoe off, and the hoof trimmed, you may see a small dark, crumbly spot in the white line area.  At this point, your farrier can trim out the infected wall and white line, opening the area and exposing it to oxygen. Unchecked, white line disease is progressive, with the anaerobic organisms further  invading the tissues of the hoof. This invasion can create an internal gallery, or void in the hoof wall.  It can take months or even years for the hoof to recover.  Once the “seedy” spot is trimmed out, it’s beneficial to apply an antifungal, antibacterial product, such as Keratex Hoof Putty, Mersol, or iodine everyday for 7-10 days and then once per week until a follow up visit with your farrier. 

 There are a few things you can do to prevent white line disease.  For example; Proper trimming and shoeing by your farrier will minimize undue or uneven stresses on the hoof wall resulting in laminar damage.  Keeping your stalls and paddocks clean will help reduce the pool of fungal and bacterial agents.  These organisms are commonly concentrated in wet, churned-up, manure-laden mud areas like the ones often found around the pasture gate, where horses congregate frequently.  Covering this area with clean gravel helps keep hooves dry and clean, keeping fungus and bacteria at bay. 

Managing White Line Disease is a matter of early detection and treatment, before significant structural damage occurs.  Early treatment can reduce or eliminate the threat of lameness, and avoid a protracted and expensive recovery period.

For more information please contact us at (301) 416-0043 or email us at Farrier@andrewgrimm.net.

Thrush invades the frog, heel bulbs, and hoof wall/sole junction

Thrush is a keratolytic bacteria causing degeneration and breakdown of the frog tissue.  It is often accompanied by the presence of a  foul-smelling black exudate.  When extensive amounts of Thrush invades the soft tissues of the frog, digital cushion, and the heel bulb region the horse can become lame from the inflammation and exposure of sensitive tissue.   We like to use Topical Iodine and Copper Sulfate products to treat Thrush. Some types of Thrush respond well to Chlorine Dioxide which is an unstable Gas mixed in 2 stable parts and applied to the foot.   For more questions please contact us at 301-416-0043 or email us at farrier@andrewgrimm.net.

Thrush after hoof trimming

Providing Superior Service is of up-most importance to us.  Therefore,  beginning August 16thwe’re welcoming a Secretary to our team of professionals.   Our Secretary Jan, will be available to help you with scheduling, making  payments, and answering your questions,  5 days a week.  As always, if you have any questions please call us at 301-416-0043 or, email us at farrier@andrewgrimm.net.  Thank you.

Here’s an example of a Glue-on shoe with a pour-in pad.  The cuff-style Glue-on shoe is a nice shoe that can be used for most horses but, is generally recommended when nailing a horseshoe is not the best option.   When using a pour-in pad we prefer to use the Equi-pak with Copper Sulfate because it helps reduce Thrush.