This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello Fjord Friends- I have been quiet for sometime, but faithfully reading each digest. I need your help....
My mare, Annie, has coffin bone rotation on both left (12degrees) and right (7degrees) hooves. I want what is best for Annie. Currently she has heart-bar shoes on and is really experiencing no pain. The only reason I had her x-rayed was due to the rotation she experienced last year in her left front hoof and a bit of off step when she trots in a counter-clockwise direction. Last year her rotation was minor. Well, the extent of this rotation has really thrown me for a loop and I would just like anyone's advice on what to do. I have been given so many mixed signals! One school of thought is to continue with heart bar shoes, and roll back her toe. The heartbar shoe will protect her foot and keep her from being sore. Another school of thought, which is new to me, but I've heard and read about from two different people, is to cut back her heel so the coffin bone is horizontal to the ground, forget the shoes, and let her walk on regular ground and get exercise. The idea is she will be sore for a while, but with regular trimming (every 3-4 weeks) and exercise, that provides good circulation, in time she will recover. I am taking Annie to Cornell on Friday (6/9) to the farrier there for a second opinion. However, I value all of your experiences and would be grateful for any ideas or research you've done/read. Thanks so much!!!!! Pat McCurdy Cato, NY
