Skilled podiatry is essential in the treatment of laminitis, navicular, quarter crack, and other foot related lameness. Dr. Pownall is able to use both his farrier and veterinary skills in preventative and therapy of hoof problems.
Lameness and Shoeing
Some foot procedures such as hoof crack resection, infection, soft tissue prolapse, and foot surgery require a combination of veterinary and farrier training which are provided at our facility.
Many sport horse lameness can be attributed directly to the hoof and structures within. Once a foot problem is identified and diagnosed, a therapeutic shoeing service can be arranged in our podiatry facility located on-site. Dr. Pownall typically performs the first shoeing in order to set the horse up as precisely as possible. After this, the regular farrier can easily observe the trim and type of shoe used and can continue to shoe the horse in this fashion.
Shoeing prescriptions can be created for the horse and we are happy to communicate with your farrier to provide advice on optimal shoeing. Regular shoeing services can be provided for special cases by Dr. Pownall.
Trimming the hoof
Preparing the shoe
The shoe, still red hot
Imaging
Our digital radiography system enables us to perform on-screen computer measurements on foot x-rays. This allows us to determine internal angles and distance relationships within the hoof, providing a baseline for future progress evaluations.