Today is
emricmacy - 2021-02-13 8:39 PM
casualdust07 - 2021-02-13 6:22 PM
1- imbalance doesn't typically occur just one time so it's likely it's been an ongoing issue which needs to be addressed. And you addressed it.
2- sometimes you just need to get a set of x rays to know what's going on with the hoof capsule. Many farriers understand this and encourage x rays to be taken. Some get all offended... you don't need that kind of a farrier if that's the case.
3- you have to advocate for your horse. Sometimes it means using a different farrier for a shoeing or two. Sometimes it means firing them. Your horse's soundness is what matters. If your farrier can't handle the fact he needs to change what he's doing, you need a new farrier. I've seen more than one horse crippled because the owner was too afraid to step on her farriers toes and they just let him keep on doing a ****ty job.
You are a vet. And I appreciate your opinion. I'm trying to learn as much as I can with shoeing, but there's a lot to it! In your opinion, did I do anything wrong at the hospital yesterday when it comes to having their on-site farrier Pull his front shoes and put a completely different shoe on? I guess I'm just afraid at my next appointment with my usual farrier he's going to be very angry with me.
No. I don't think you did anything wrong. If you can get a head start on fixing your horse, with the guidance of your vet and a farrier who can shoe him appropriately and get x rays if needed, why not take the opportunity to get it done?
If I had a shoer that was that far off and making them sore, I wouldnt use him again. Good shoers can tell how a horse travels and get everything almost 100% correct unless it is a hidden NPA or something crazy on xrays. If I were you, I wouldve done the more dramatic changes to the horses feet while you were at the vet, instead of just hair changes. If you do go back to your old shoer, it is easier for them to start up where the last guy left off if significant changes were made and it is better for your horse. If you have a rock in your shoe you dont cut the rock in half, you take the whole darn thing out.
epoh - 2021-02-18 12:39 PM
Thank you, I appreciate your advice. Both vets and the on-site farrier both agreed that a more gradual change would be better for my horse. I will be going back to the equine hospital in a few months to make sure we are going in the correct way still.
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