Effects of barefoot trimming and shoeing on the lower forelimb: Hoof morphology

• Published in: Journal of animal science 2016-10, Vol.94, p.384-384
• Main Authors: Proske, D K, Leatherwood, J L, Anderson, M J, Stutts, K J, Hammer, C J, Coverdale, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Data processing; Dirt; Hoof; Horses; Morphology; Phases; Studies; Trimming; Veterinary medicine
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163
• DOI: 10.2527/jam2016-0799

Limited information is available pertaining to potential benefits of barefoot trimming techniques under standard management conditions. Therefore, 12 mature Quarter horses (8-14 yr and 450-572 kg) were used in a switch back design for a 140-d trial to determine effects of barefoot trimming and shoeing on joints of the forelimb and digital cushion thickness. Before the start of the trial, all horses were adapted to a standardized exercise protocol and lameness examinations were performed by a veterinarian; hooves were allowed to grow naturally with minimal farrier interventions. This study was divided into 3 phases: d 0 to 42, horses were barefoot trimmed (BF1); d 49 to 91, horses were shod (SD) on the forehand with standard St. Croix plain lite shoes; and d 98 to 140, horses received another barefoot trim (BF2). Between phases, a 7-d transition period was given to allow for farrier practices. Horses were group exercised 3 times/wk on a 132 by 3.7 m linear dirt track to a mean HR of 80.00 ± 1.90 bpm. Measurements were obtained every 21 d immediately following exercise. Digital cushion thickness was ultrasonically measured through the superficial frog using a 5.0-MHz convex probe and stand-off pad following previously described methods. Stride lengths were also recorded following exercise at a walk and trot (EquineTec, Monroe, GA). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. There was no influence of day (P = 0.25) on mean HR; however, there was an influence of treatment. Mean HR was lower (P < 0.01) during the BF1 phase (75.50 ± 1.90 bpm) compared with the SD (82.08 ± 1.90 bpm) and BF2 (82.42 ± 1.90 bpm) phases. Mean stride lengths at the walk (P < 0.05) and trot (P < 0.01) were greater in SD horses compared with BF1 and BF2 horses. There was no main effect (P ≥ 0.47) of day or treatment on digital cushion thickness. However, on d 42 of each of the 3 phases, mean digital cushion thickness was greater (P ≤ 0.01) during the BF1 (1.41 ± 0.03 cm) and BF2 (1.43 ± 0.03 cm) phases compared with the SD phase (1.26 ± 0.03 cm). These data indicate that a shod fore digit may cause changes in hoof morphology due to alterations in lower limb movement and hoof load dispersion and, therefore, may cause an increase in the incidence of lameness over time.