05/18/2017
Hoof care for foals: Importance of early correction
A foal is a large investment financially and emotionally and requires regular or corrective farriery facilitation in order to ensure that it flourishes into a healthy adult horse. The regular hoof care of a foal should be at least every 4 weeks since they are at their developmental stage of life. During this time of maturity observation should be made about conformation as their are faults that a farrier can correct. Correction is required for flexor-flaccidity, flexor-contraction and angular deviations.
Flexor-Flaccidity:
It is usually a defect observed in new born foals that generally affects both hind legs. Many have described this deformity as a "self correcting" one just by allowing the foal controlled exercise, although this is not always the case. A plantar extension is an effective correcting device. It reaches about 3-4cm behind the heal bulbs and offers support in helping the foal grow correct. There have been cases that the extensions were unsuccessful but these were applied 3-4 weeks after the foal was born. Therefore it is imperative to make corrections to your foals as soon as possible.
Flexor-contraction:
It is a contracture that can involve the deep digital flexor, tendon and muscle or the superficial flexor tendon and muscle. This deformity can be caused from the foals gestational position or too much protein ingested. This can affect either front or back but rarely affects all four. A cuff glue on shoe, acrylic or aluminum plate with heal wedges works for this type of deformity. The level of success is highly favourable if caught early and action is taken early.
Angular deviations:
These deviations are presented at birth and can fall under two categories which are varus and valgus. Varus refers to the outward deviation and valgus refers to the inward deviation. In this case glue on extensions, acrylic and aluminum plates are used which have more length inward or outward depending on which deviation is being corrected. Due to the soft flexibility of a foals bones these deformities have extreme success in correcting as long as they are processed early.
In conclusion correcting a foal in early growth stages can be viable in maintaining quality of life. Corrective methods like glue on shoes, acrylic and aluminum plates have proven to be successful at fixing deformities bearing in mind timing is a huge factor. The earlier a foal can be corrected the better chance of success!! As previously stated a regular hoof care of foals is at least every 4 weeks. This way both farrier and horse owner can work together as a team to keep the foal maturing conformationally correct.
