Medial/Lateral Imbalance

Posted bysteepforestfarmPosted inFarrier Services

Case 1: Two-degree wedge pad turned sideways

Hoof is high on medial and cannot be lowered to balance any further because it will be into sensitive areas of the hoof capsule. The hoof must be raised on the lateral side until it can grow back up to match medial hoof height
Shod with 2 degree wedge pad sideways for lateral balance compensation. Equithane filled to the top of the shoe to spread out the load on the hoof capsule. This allows for more uniform hood growth. Portions of the hoof capsule pressure will grow at a slower rate
The coronary band is nearly equidistant to the ground with the 2 degree pad sideways. After a couple of shoeings, the 2 degree pad was not necessary and was shod w/ a flat pad but still with equithane, which keeps the condition from returning

Case 2: Medial/Lateral Imbalance

Had previously been shod in Eventer steel, had stilted gait w/ grade 2 lameness. Note medial aspect is underrun and less developed
Raised hoof angle to help w/ probable arthritic changes. Note fullness to medial aspect of the shoe fit
Note the bar shoe fit has increased the medial ground surface for support
The bevel for medial support.
The thicker material of aluminum & a 3 degree pad gives a generous amount of support without a ledge on the medial aspect for the horse to grab and pull off shoe. The thicker the material, the larger the bevel you can make for support. That’s why aluminum was the choice here. Soon after this shoeing, this horse was no longer a grade 2 lameness.