Home Farrier Wisdom Medical Index | First Posted: Feb 4, 2010 Jan 21, 2020 | |
Club Foot in HorsesIdentifying a Club Foot in Your Horse
"...Club foot hoof conformation is caused by a flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP joint, also known as the coffin joint). Many people blame club feet on 'contracted tendons,' but this is a misnomer because tendons lack the ability to contract. Rather, a club foot results from shortening of the musculotendinous unit, causing hyperflexion of the DIP joint—more correctly called a flexural deformity. ..." How to Manage the Club Foot: Birth to Maturity There are several different degrees of club feet in horses (1 to 4; 4 being the most severe). Many can be helped with corrective shoeing. Some cannot be helped. Others may need an operation. Club feet can be in the forelimbs as well as in the hindlimbs. I have been told that club feet that are genetic usually come in pairs. Both front or both hind. If not genetic, "...an acquired flexural deformity develops anytime from 2 to 6 months of age due to a number of possible causes, such as nutritional imbalances, rapid growth, overexertion, and genetic predisposition. Generally, these involve the coffin joint. When managing these foals, restrict exercise to decrease trauma to the structures and administer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) judiciously along with anti-ulcer medications since such drugs are notorious for inciting gastric ulcers in foals. Your veterinarian might administer oxytetracycline as well. The farrier can also apply an acrylic composite material to the horse's toe area to protect the front of the hoof; these are called toe caps. ..." How to Manage the Club Foot: Birth to Maturity Other causes of club feet are: A disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints known as OCD (osteochondrosis-developmental disease) and Developmental Orthopedic Disease (DOD) in Horses, Osteochondrosis (OC), Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD), Subchondral Bone Cysts (SBC), diet, ephiphysitis (a problem that occurs at the growth plates of young horses). If not genetic, club feet do not necessarily come in pairs.
Grades of Club Foot
For an excellent article on Club Feet in Horses follow this link: Club Feet in Horses by: Les Sellnow This article is comprehensive and well written, easy to understand, and covers all four degress of club feet. For shoeing a horse with club feet I would suggest following this link: Shoeing a Horse With Club Feet by Bubby Rhoderick, CMF I know Bubby and he has worked on one of my past horses. He has a farrier school in Maryland. For More Information: Managing the Club FootClub Foot An excellent article/comprehensive/images Club Foot Inside the Club Foot |