Shoeing The Laminitic Horse By Dr. Stephen O'Grady Many advances have been made over the last few years in shoeing the laminitic horse. We have seen much success in treating these cases, but we still see far too many failures. Two farriers have made significant strides with their shoes--Burney Chapman with the heart bar shoe(1) and Gene Ovnicek with his Equine Digit Support System(2). Both of these shoeing procedures require attention to detail, a skilled farrier and both procedures rely on posterior support using the frog and related structures. Both have enjoyed widespread success. Numerous other methods of foot care have been recommended for treating laminitis with varied success, but the ideal technique has yet to be found. We must remember that the outcome of these cases is directly proportional to the extent of the lamellar damage suffered during the original insult. Chronic Laminitic Horse For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the chronic laminitic horse. There are still differing opinions in the veterinary profession as to when a horse becomes chronic. Is it when radiographic changes first take place within the hoof capsule or is it when rotation and/or displacement stop? When should a laminitic horse first be shod? This is a difficult question with no clear-cut guidelines.

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