One of the complications that can occur following leg fractures in horses is the risk of developing laminitis in the opposite foot from bearing extra weight. In an effort to reduce this risk, New Bolton Center farrier Rob Sigafoos applied a supportive shoe to Barbaro's left hind foot immediately following the surgery for the fracture of his right hind leg. The shoe is designed to reduce the risk of laminitis in several ways:
1) by supporting the sole of the left hind foot;
2) by containing materials that minimize weakening and possible infection of the sole; and
3) by being built up to extend the length of the left hind foot, which compensates for the additional length of the right hind limb created by the cast.
The shoe used is a glue-on shoe designed and patented by the University of Pennsylvania, and has been in use for over 10 years. This shoe is a three-part device.
Photos by Susan Hankin JD, MPH, courtesy of Rob Sigafoos.
Text and photos © 2006 Hoofcare Publishing. Text and photos posted on “The HoofBlog”, a casual news source for subscribers and friends of Hoofcare & Lameness: The Journal of Equine Foot Science. Learn more (and subscribe online using our secure server) at http://www.hoofcare.com or write to Hoofcare Publishing, 19 Harbor Loop, Gloucester MA 01930 USA. Tel USA 978 281 3222; Fax 978 283 8775, or email fran@hoofcare.com.
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