Frequently Asked Questions about The
Dorsal Wall Lifting Theory and Grooving
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| If the heels are growing faster, why not just cut
them off? |
The heels can be cut back to their normal level.
Rapid heel growth causes the hoof to curve forward towards
the toe, so it's the effect that rapid heel growth has on the shape
of the hoof capsule that's the problem. |
| Why do the heels grow faster? |
The hoof growth survey shows that in the normal
hoof, the heels grow slightly slower than the toe, this would add
strength to the hoof as a structure. In the laminitic hoof this
process is reversed and the foot becomes damaged, so there is an
inbuilt ability to grow horn at differential rates which seems to go
wrong in laminitis, but why it does is unknown. |
| How high and how deep should the grooves be? |
For the grooves to be effective the grooves should
penetrate the full thickness of the hoof wall (until the horny
laminae become visible but not bleed) and finish about 1cm from the
hair line. |
| Are there any situations when grooving should not
be attempted? |
Yes, grooving should only be attempted while there
is good laminal attachment between the distal phalanx and inner hoof
wall, severely foundered hooves will not benefit (too late to help).
Also if there is any suspicion that laminitis was caused
mechanically, by over lowering the heels then grooving is contra
indicated. |
| Where should the grooves be positioned in the wall? |
As long as they are each side of the dorsal wall
they will function, so place them where is is convenient for how you
want to shoe the foot. |
| How do you decide if a hoof should be grooved? |
The best candidates are early acute, as hoof
capsule distortion has not progressed too much. Long duration
chronic laminitic animals respond less well. Don't groove cases with a
history of flexural deformity, as they can be made more
uncomfortable, as the toe is bearing most of the weight and it's now
disunited from the heels by grooving. |
| Should grooves be aligned with the horn fibres? |
If you think that the hoof will require grooving
for a long period then it's a good idea to groove in alignment with
the horn fibres as the groove can easily be extended upwards as the
hoof grows. If you are grooving an acute case and hoping not to
re-groove then you can cut the grooves vertically in the hoof.
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If you have a question e-mail
tom@equinehoof.co.uk |
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