So my horse has a club foot, which is basically where he has a ton of heel on one of his feet, leaving him less than sound. Does anyone have any reccomendations for how I could help him become more sound?
Answers:
Make sure you have a good farrier, and don't try to force the hoof to be "normal" looking. It should have a good trim that complements the conformation of the horse's foot and leg. Trying to make it look normal will only cause strain on the tendons and can do much more damage than good. Also, it's a good idea to have the vet look at it and x-ray it, so you all know what you are working with. If it's really bad, there are procedures that can help such as cutting certain ligaments, but that's not usually recommended unless it's a severe case. Many, many horses are a bit "clubby" on one foot...I know one of mine is and I see lots of horses like that.
the best people to advise you is going to be the vet an farrier so i would talk to them as even tho we can advise and suggest things we are not able to see the severity of the problem while the farrier etc will be
your priority should be to call in the farrier immediatly
I agree with the other answerers - make sure you have a good farrier and ask him/her as many questions as you can. The main thing that is going to help keep your horse sound is to have his feet trimmed regularly and well.
As the others mentioned a good hoof-care specialist is the key. In extreme cases their care should be coordinated with your Vet as well. They can determine the severity of your horse's condition and the proper treatment.
If the club foot causes your horse to stumble it should be corrected. This will take some time (months to years) depending upon the severity of the condition. Usually the tendons in the back of the leg are shorter than normal and they take time to lengthen depending on the age and other conditions of your horse. A regime of routine trimming (many times more often than the 6 weeks between each trim) where the heel is slowly lowered and the hoof brought back into the correct alignment a little bit at a time is the usual routine. Your Vet can x-ray the leg and discuss the treatment with you and your farrier. This is done over a long time to help cause as little pain (there usually is some) as possible while the tendons and ligaments stretch. Your Vet can also help with any pain this treatment may cause.
In extreme cases, a limit is reached between the "ideal hoof" and he original one. This foot may still look a little clubbed, but the function should always be brought back as close to normal as possible, and upon X-ray's the hoof should be as close to normal as possible.
talk to your farrier and if your not happy with him find another one but being on here asking questions isn't going to help youbeing that we cannot see how bad the club foot really is or how she is walking. What you may think is painfull may not be to most professionals
you trim down the heelmore
Your farrier really needs to trim to his specific build and maintain it. You cannot simply "lower the heel" and fix a clubbed foot. It was the way they were born and taking them out of alignment will leave them lame until balance is restored. Some horses do have more tolerance as to how much heel can be removed but they generally cannot take "a little more each time". The limit is the limit.
That said most horses with one club foot (and some with two) can stay completely sound and lead long lives in pleasure and competition. If you farrier cannot find the angle of comfort for your horse you should certainly look into another. If you want to keep him for the rest of your barn or just remain on friendly terms tell him simply "We're going to try so and so, he has a lot of experience with clubbed feet." Any good farrier should accept your decision with no hard feelings.
Good luck
i would call a farrier
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