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Laminitis: The Vet and Farrier Should Work as a Team

Laminitis is a disease that can best be treated by a veterinarian and farrier working together as a team, who each have a great deal of experience in this area and who are willing to leave no stone unturned. Those individuals must have great determination, passion, and respect for the horse as their patient. They must be aware of the newest techniques, drugs, etc.

If you are unable to use as your regular farrier one who is experienced and knowledgeable about this disease, then know who the experts are in your area that you may be able to call on in an emergency. BE PREPARED IN ADVANCE! Do not wait until you are faced with a very ill horse to decide to seek out information.

Glue-On Shoes

Over time we have learned a great deal; however, I still see horses being treated without the benefit of the latest techniques, i.e. glue-on shoes. One of the obvious benefits of this glue-on shoe is that there is no need for nails, which removes the additional trauma of nailing a shoe to a very painful hoof. There are many different types of glue-on shoes, some are attached with adhesive to the sole (bottom) of the foot, and some are attached with a fabric impregnated with adhesive and glued directly to the hoof wall. In my opinion, the latter is a much better choice.

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