07/12/2025
Healing from the Hoof Up... We first met the beautiful "Bugs"🐴 (Cob × TB mare) in February 2025, when she was diagnosed with proximal suspensory ligament desmitis following a comprehensive lameness work-up at her yard. This included nerve blocks, radiography and ultrasonography. As a fully mobile clinic, we bring all of our state-of-the-art equipment directly to you - along with our wonderful nurse, Laura 🚐👩⚕️- so there’s no need to transport your horse to a hospital setting.
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach, identifying and treating the underlying causes rather than just the presenting problem. In this case, hind-foot radiographs revealed a negative plantar angle of the pedal bone in both limbs.
Even small biomechanical imbalances can significantly increase strain on the suspensory ligament, and this negative angle was contributing to the mare’s lameness.
The mare was barefoot, and her owner was keen to correct the issue without the use of shoes. We are always happy to support such preferences and work closely with owners and farriers to find the most suitable solution for each individual horse. Over seven months of regular trimming and skilled, consistent work from her farrier (Andrew Dennis), we are delighted to report a substantial improvement all around: the plantar angle increased from –1.3° to +5.1° in the left hind, and from –2.3° to +5.2° in the right hind.
A huge well done to her dedicated owner !!! 👏 her farrier, and all professionals involved in her care ( ) 🎉
