Hoof and Paw Veterinary Care, LLC

04/09/2025

A little bit drunk today for her dental-- no horse was injured during the photo shoot.

04/08/2025

Post castration exercise is necessary to keep scrotal incisions open and help prevent post op swelling. At least 15 min one time a day and turn out to encourage movement.

04/05/2025

What does Dr Hartmann do on weekends? Catrate her yearling Elloit.

04/02/2025

DO YOU KNOW WHAT CAUSES GRASS FOUNDER?

Spring is a wonderful time of the year, but it may be the beginning of some serious problems for horses vulnerable to grass founder — like horses that are over the age of 10, easy keepers, overweight or cresty-necked.

Laminitis or founder, as it is commonly called, is inflammation of the laminae of the horse’s foot. Laminae are the delicate, accordion-like tissues that attach the inner surface of the hoof wall to the coffin bone (the bone in the foot). A horse suffering from laminitis experiences a decrease in blood flow to the laminae, which in turn begin to die and separate. The final result is hoof wall separation, rotation of the coffin bone and extreme pain. In severe cases, the coffin bone will actually rotate through the sole of the horse’s hoof where it becomes infected and can ultimately lead to the horse having to be euthanized.

Laminitis can be triggered by different causes, like repeated concussion on hard ground (road founder), grain overload, retained placenta, hormonal imbalance (Cushing’s syndrome), obesity, and lush grass.

In cases of grass founder, the sugar fructans produced by rapidly growing grass stimulates an overgrowth of bacteria in the horse’s large intestine. The bacteria produce and release toxins (endotoxins) that are carried by the bloodstream to the foot where they cause damage to the laminae and small blood vessels.

The best way to deal with laminitis is preventing and managing the causes under your control. Consult your equine practitioner for further information and to formulate a plan tailored to your horse's individual situation. If you suspect laminitis, consider it a medical emergency and notify your veterinarian immediately.

04/02/2025

I just have no words for today's weather!

04/01/2025

Is Midwest Horse Fair on your calendar next week?

If not, it should be!

Kicking off the 3 day event we will be hosting 2 lectures. Here is one of them. Held in the Nutrena Safechoice Room in the Exhibition Hall.

So so so much knowledge with these 2….don’t miss it!

03/30/2025

Thought for the day. The hoof is held onto the P3 bone with "velcro" sensitive tissue with blood vessels. An abscess is like cream cheese pushing up through the velcro to erupt out of the hoof.

03/30/2025

It is not fit for man or beast outside. Hope your critters are warm and fed! Spring is coming. Poor robins

03/28/2025

Some horses are more into their sedation for their dentals than others. This guy woke up just fine.

03/26/2025

03/26/2025

Sm**ma from inside sheath of a horse! Recommendation clean sheaths one time year with mild soap like ivory.

03/26/2025

Foaling season is in full swing and here are some useful tips to keep in mind as you work to raise your four-legged youngsters.

A healthy foal will grow rapidly, gaining in height, weight and strength almost before your very eyes. From birth to age 2, a young horse can achieve 90% or more of its full adult size, sometimes putting on as many as 3 pounds per day. The nutritional start a foal gets can have a profound effect on its health and soundness for the rest of its life. Research suggests that a balanced dietary approach, which supports no more than a moderate growth rate, is less likely to cause developmental problems like contracted tendons, epiphysitis, angular limb deformities and osteochondrosis.

Work with your equine practitioner to develop a total health care plan based on your foal's, weanling's and yearling's specific needs. The reward for providing excellent nutrition, conscientious care and a safe environment will be a healthy foal that grows into a sound and useful horse!

To read more about foal care and nutrition, visit our website at: https://aaep.org/resource/client-education-presentation-foal-growth/

03/22/2025

That’s correct!!!!

03/21/2025

03/21/2025

Another interesting day. Thank you Ride or Die Farm for your business and friendship! Always fun! Big black is a Fresian / Percheron cross-- stunning!

03/21/2025

Is this fun or what? New client with his tame steer. Family probably wont be eating this one.