Published Research, Articles, & Papers
Breakover of the Hoof and its Effect on Structures and Forces within the Foot
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Vol 22, Number 6, 2002, 258-264
Summary:
The location of the breakover of the hoof capsule can be positioned through shoe placement, shoe shape, or trimming on barefoot horses. Placing the breakover in relation to the tip of Plll is a more dependable location than placing breakover guided only by visual evaluation of the hoof capsule …The resulting decrease in strain of the deep digital flexor tendon while standing and during movement will decrease inflammation and disease in the equine digit.
Natural Balance
The Veterinary Clinics of North America Equine Practice, Vol. 19, No. 2, August 2003, 353-378
Summary:
Before natural balance guidelines, the traditional approach to hoof balance often yielded undesirable results in performance and soundness. Using the external hoof capsule for distal phalangeal alignment had proven unreliable in light of the inconsistent parallel relation between the dorsal hoof wall and the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx. Repeated use of this approach often led to underrun heels in many cases, contracted heels in some cases, and vertical distal displacement of the distal phalanx within the hoof capsule in other cases.
Form & Function of the Equine Hoof
Colorado Equine Clinic
Summary:
Soundness in the equine foot relies on the three functions of the foot-impact, movement, and stance-functioning concurrently. Recent research provides scientific information which can assist the veterinarian and farrier in understating hoof form and function and treating hoof pathology.
Caudal Heel Pain
Current Therapy in Equine Medicine, 5th ed., Robinson, N.E., 2003, p 532-536.
Summary:
Foot disease accounts for 60% of the lameness in horses. The majority of disease originates from the caudal heel region. The term refers to any pain alleviated with a palmar/plantar digital nerve block …Although more frequently diagnosed in the front limb, caudal heel pain also occurs commonly in the hind limb. Improved diagnostics and radiography have allowed …improvements in treatment [and] have improved the outcome and prognosis of caudal heel pain.
How to Mark the Foot for Radiography
AAEP Proceedings, Vol. 45, 1999, pp. 148-150
Summary:
The location and position of the third phalanx (PHI) respective to the hoof capsule can be assessed when radio-opaque markers are placed on the hoof capsule before radiographs are taken …The position of PHI within the hoof capsule can vary because of internal physiologic and pathologic forces and external environmental forces …Measurements taken from marked radiographs can help veterinarians and farriers determine where to position the breakover of the shoe if the horse is shod, or of the hoof capsule if the horse is not shod, relative to the bony column.
Diagonal Imbalance of the Equine Foot: A Cause of Lameness
Proceedings of the 38th Annual Convention AAEP, 1992:413-417
Summary:
Diagonal imbalance is not a new condition, but it is encountered frequently as a cause of lameness in a performance-horse practice. Owners and farriers often create this condition in a misguided attempt to enhance performance or improve the appearance of the horse. This paper will define the coqdition and then discuss the diagnosis, pathophysiology, etiology, and treatment of it.