Lameness? front hooves?

Question

please help, I have had my horse (10 year old TB gelding approx 1100 lbs) about 3 1/2 4 months now, and he just recently had his second farrier visit. The first farrier visit he had while with me, on his LEFT front hoof he was lame for about a week and a half. Not dead lame, but at the trot it was obvious he was having pain landing on that left hoof. We saw a high nail that looked like maybe it was close to the coronet band, so we pulled it out and packed his hoof with some poltice and let it be. 2 or 3 days later he was sound.

Well, thursday I had a DIFFERENT farrier come out and, now again hes moderatly lame, this time in his RIGHT front hoof. We saw another high nail, we pulled it out, packed it with poltice. but this time he showed no improvement. We tried a hoof tester, at first he didnt indicate anything. yesterday he flinched a bit to indicate and abcess so we gave him a salt pack and put him on stall rest. If its not an abcess, any other ideas? why is he getting lame after every farrier visit? and their different farriers!

Answer 1

Wow, that has to be frustrating.  He might be bruised or quicked, it's hard to say.  I'd keep up with the soaking, just in case.  It can't hurt...especially if you pulled out a high nail.

As for the farriers...in most states you don't have to have any certification or schooling to be a farrier.  So if you want someone who REALLY knows what they are doing, ask about their training/certification so you don't just get some hack who woke up one morning and decided being a farrier would be a fun job.

Answer 2

First off I would like to compliment you on removing the nail and giving him a compact both times! Thats great!! It is definatly the farrier. DOnt worry I had tried 6 different farreirs and all of my horses went lame. Its just farriers might have been  in a hurry, or not very experienced. Because even having a nail .0001 inch off can cause problems. I would just keep trying some different farriers. Usually you get what you pay for. Hope this helps! Goodluck!

Answer 3

It sounds like you've had some inexperience farriers doing work on your horse or they were in so much of a hurry they didn't do a good job.  How often have you had a farrier out?  Anyway, I would check w/ a local barn or stables to see who they use or if they could recommend someone to you.  Sadly, it sounds like it's going to be an old fashioned trail and error issue until you find someone that does good work.

Answer 4

Thoroughbreds have a thinner hoof wall, so bad nail placement is easier than normal horses. I have always poured kerosene on a pulled hot nail and never had a problem but you may have a abcess or the farrier took the whole foot down too far and you may need a few more days. Soak in epsom salts and water and pack with a poultice and if still lame in three or four days call the farrier out again and pull the shoe.

http://astore.amazon.com/saferhorse08-20