Front Limb Lameness Case
Front Limb Lameness Case
This horse has a history of front limb lameness which was mild in its initial stages.
I leverage tested the front limbs using KrossCheck leverage testing system and found it disliked leverage on the toes and lateral sides of both front feet. This was more produced on the right front foot.
The application of Performance Leverage Reduction shoes (PLR) with the lateral relief to give additional leverage reduction to the lateral side of the distal limbs. The results of this increased soundness until the equine patient had a mad run around on hard ground
A veterinary evaluation and radiography was undertaken and the results showed considerable distal limb arthritis. The lameness is considered to be related to the arthritis around the pastern and coffin joints.
I discussed this case with the owner and vet and it was decided to apply the new plastic composite Freedom shoes, with 15 Shore super soft (green) Total Foot Protection Ltd Impression Material.
Following application of this system the equine patient stood with the limbs more vertical and attained a slight heel first engagement at walk.
It is expected that by reducing the leverage forces from the arthritic areas of the distal limb, the patient will recover sufficiently to return to functional soundness.
This is another case showing that leverage reduction has a massive improvement on lameness and forms an important contribution to prevention and ongoing soundness to our equine friends.
Perhaps if we applied shoes with built in leverage reduction i.e. Centre Fit or Avanti shoes (including composites) as a preventative measure, our equine friends may avoid lameness and the relative costs involved it its treatment
Written by David Nicholls
