Worst Hoofs I've Ever Seen. Need Advice.

Originally Posted by hotreddun

What I would do...with the info you've given me...

1) Nutrition nutrition nutrition. She needs lots of good grass hay (soaked maybe since she is a founder case), and a good mineral pellet. Those grooves in her hooves are mineral deficiencies. I LOVE ADM Stay Strong. I switched over to it 2 months ago and my older IR, chronic laminitis gelding LOVES them and looks fantastic. They are great little pellets that have lots of good minerals, vitamins, and are extremely low starch/sugar. I would also use Omega Horseshine (ground stabilized flax) because if she's not on grass she is not getting her fatty acids.

2) Don't use all the hoof conditioners...a lot of times those either lock in the dry or lock in the moisture. They WILL NOT help the surface cracks. The cracks have to GROW out.

3) Clean out her hooves daily maybe twice a day if its that muddy and spray some apple cider vinegar in the cleft (middle of frog) and sides of frog to prevent any bacterial messes from growing. If it gets real bad use a 50/50 goo of Athlete's Foot Cream and Triple Antiobiotic ointment once a day everyday.

4) I would get her boots. They would protect her foot as well as keep her comfortable with the founder. I like Easyboot Glove. You can order pads as well to trim and make her comfortable. You have to stimulate blood flow through movement. No blood flow...no new hoof growth.

5) Wait and be patient. You have to solve hoof problems from the hairline down. The hoof has to grow out with the right nutrition and right farrier.