Murray's Photos

June 03, 2006 Great News -- Murray's Right Front that had 18 degrees of rotation was just x-rayed. The vet says he has less than 5 degrees of rotation which is almost non existant. I will pick up the x-rays this week and scan them in.

Murray is a 15 y/o and is turned out 24/7 in upstate NY. He is in a herd environment with six other horses. His feed includes a bit of pelleted grain as well as free choice of hay throughout the day and night during winter.

We only know about four and half years of Murray’s history. I believe he was barefoot for most of that time, but due to cracks he was developing in his feet it was recommended by either a farrier or a vet that he be shod. Nevertheless, I have seen him running the fields with the other horses and he moves surprisingly well. On top of his cracked feet, he also has an enlarged sheath and problems with a sore back. I believe only time will tell us the cause of his enlarged sheath, but I am fairly positive his back problems are caused by the poor condition of his feet.

I took a few snapshots of his body so that you can see Murray’s stance for yourself (if you think it looks as though Murray is missing fur in some places, what you are actually seeing is just splashes of dried mud). Please note how his left hind points outwards. This will go away with time.

Murray’s RF appears to be his worst foot. It is extremely flat, and when I knocked on this hoof above the toe the sound was very hollow. This is telling me that there is a lot of space between his coffin bone and the hoofwall. It means that there is rotation of the coffin bone and separation of the laminae. I do not want his body or muscles to be sore, so the first trim was minimal. I see this horse on a regular basis so it will be easy to keep updating you with his improving condition.

Left Front Before Trim

My hoof pick went all the way in the crack with room to spare	This crack is close but not into the Coronet Band	The sole wasn't as bad as I thought	Here you can see how high the heels are, over time they'll come down.

Left Front After Trim

Not much difference, just a roll to get the flare off the ground.	The pastern angles changed a little with just a small lowering of the heels	You can see how I rolled the entire hoof wall. This will prevent more flaring	I rounded the heels


Right Front Before Trim

This is the foot that was very hollow		Not sure if you can tell but this foot is extremely flat soled	His frogs had something going on but it's probably the wet weather

Right Front After Trim

Just rolling removed the flares especially the inside wall	I think he was getting ready to move	The toe area and inside wall was very punky.	Bad picture.

Left Hind Before and After Trim

I didn't keep the photo angle the same with these shots.		Look at the difference between the before and after

Right Hind Before and After Trim

These shots aren't accurate as he started to move in the After Trim shot		Note the toe pointing out on the LH

Murray's Feet Before Pulling the Shoes

Left Front	Left Front Lateral	Right Front	Right Front Lateral

	Left Hind Lateral	Right Hind Lateral