 |
Dividers have been used to mark the hoof before the groove was cut,
after cutting the groove the marks are slightly closer together,
indicating that the groove has immediately closed, reducing distension
of the laminae and the circumference of the hoof wall
|
 |
The hoof knife used to make the groove illustrates the size and
depth of the newly cut groove. |
|
 |
Groove closure can be interpreted in two ways, as being good because
it alleviates hoof capsule distortion and as being bad because it
signifies extensive hoof capsule distortion.
|
|
 |
It is desirable not to make the foot bleed, but the grooves must
penetrate the entire hoof wall to be effective. When bleeding does occur
it is usually from the top of the groove, as the blood runs down the
groove it makes the bleeding look worse than it really is.
Bleeding
does not seem to be painful when it is a slight nick.
|
|
 |
If the foot is made to bleed then some form of preventative
treatment should be applied. |
 |
Several months after this foot was grooved, each heel area has moved
forward towards the toe, but transmission of this movement into
the toe region has been prevented by the grooves.
|
