The
genius of modern medicine lies in its discovery that by uniting the expertise
of the primary care physician, various specialists, and the concern of the
patient as well, a cooperative team effort results in a more accurate diagnosis
of symptoms and a more successful treatment of medical problems. This same
discovery has also become a reality in the realm of equine diagnosis and
treatment.Continued
Sole View of Equicast
Equicast Temporary Support System (ETSS) adds
protection and support
Equicast: can be applied by an owner, vet, or farrier is
user-friendly and affordable for the treatment of hoof problems (structural
wall failure). Casting adds temporary wear protection and support to the whole
hoof capsule. Whether these equine hoof problems originated naturally or by man
doings, casting (Equicast) helps
support the whole hoof capsule, this added support does help grow stronger
healthier hoof walls and soles. Our products and wrapping methods have been
designed to assist nature in restoring healthy and effective biomechanics
necessary for sustainable and healthy growth. Continued
Circumference Cast
Cast with Raised Clinches
Update
Applying Equicast
Over a Shoe with Raised Clinches
Update August 16th,
2011
By Dave Richards
Often
we are faced with a hoof that has serve breakage at the most distal part of the
hoof. There are a number of products out that can be applied to add support to
the hoof while a new healthier hoof can grow down. However, all these products
relay on glue (Vettec, Grand Circuit, Equilox etc.) to attach some sort of shoe
(orthotic). The problem with this method is the potential of trapping bacteria
or fungus under the glue, which can lead to a bigger problem down the road. Continued
Nice Healthy Hoof
When
it comes to trimming
" Are we throwing out the baby with the bath
water"An exploration of
hoof trimming concepts
There
are many methods that are being discussed about "the perfect trim."
However, sometimes we might be "throwing the baby out with the bath
water," trying to apply "the perfect trim" to some types of
hooves that do not have enough material to trim or integrity to support the new
trim.
Shoers
and trimmers are still searching for "the perfect trim," and at
times this trim is attempted at the cost of a horse's comfort. Many shoers and
trimmers are guilty of the very same thing and that is - trimming hooves too
short looking for "the perfect angle (trim)" on every hoof they
see. Continued
EVA with Wood
How to apply Expanded Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
and EVA /Wooden Therapeutic Shoes
To enhance Soundness and Healing in Equine
Laminitis
Michael L.
Steward, DVM
Use of “The Wooden Shoe” (aka
Steward Clog) as an effective treatment of acute and chronic laminitis has been advocated
and accepted as another useful therapeutic tool for Equine laminitis. The design of a full roller motion shoe employs
beneficial mechanics to decrease moment arm forces (leveraging) and damage to
the lamellar interface.This
“solid base” of an EVA/Wood Shoe allows for redistribution and diffusion of
ground and weight forces as each case dictates.The addition of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) allows for
selective stabilization and enhanced concussion-absorption properties;
enhancing soundness by allowing the patient to maximize their comfort level by
providing better biomechanics and dampening the effect of high frequencies of
impact. Continued
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
EVA Shoes are designed to minimize shock and reduce
leveraging (arming effect) at the point of break-over. Our EVA shoes are
designed based on Dr. Michael Steward’s “Steward Clog”. The primary use for
EVAs is laminitis, although we continue to find other hoof problems that we
have successfully treated with EVA shoes, (long-toe-low-heel syndrome, coffin
bone fracture, white-line disease (WLD) when reducing shock and providing
maximum ease at the pint of break- over is critical. Continued
EVA - EVA/Wood & Casting
Why the need for either?
EVA - EVA/Wood add distal length to the entire hoof capsule for proper biomechanics. A
lot has been discussed about rolling or rockering the toes of laminitic hooves with under run heels. Cases of dropped soles (prolapsed soles) rockering/rolled can not be
accomplished without adding some type of shoe, boot orEVA because of the possibility of excessive sole pressure. The benefit of
either, EVA - EVA/Wood shoes allows for proper biomechanics due to the design without adding
sole pressure. Read Dr. Michael Steward's articles on the science and application of EVA - EVA/Wood shoes. Continued
EVA or EVA/Wood which one should be used?
EVA/Wood shoes are primarily used for
medial/lateral sinkers, radical resections, prolapsed soles, or sheered heels.
In some cases I prefer EVA/Wood shoes over plain EVAs because of the added
stability that the wood provides. The biggest question is - What
is your comfort zone? What level are you in working with hooves? An EVA/Wood
shoe often requires securing the EVA/Wood shoes to a hoof
with sheet rock screws. Starting the screws into the hoof wall, usually
using old nail holes, or they can be glued the hoof wall (gluing is not as easy
as it would seem). The benefit of either the EVA or EVA/Wood is once the hoof
is positioned onto the shoes a cast is wrapped around the circumference of both the hoof and
EVA securing the EVA to the hoof.
Can Laminitis be successfully treated with just Equicast?
Yes,
we have had very good luck with Equicast alone. However, understanding the
proper loading dynamics of the walls, sole, and frog are essential!
Adding a perimeter cast first (raising the sole off the ground) on many of these laminitic hooves is critical. Then adding another cast for sole protection, wall integrity and
hoof stability is often required for lateral support and vertical integrity. These methods should not be tried unless a hoof
practitioner with casting experience is consulted.
