This is a 16 year old saddlebred gelding, with chronic proliferative dermatits or “canker”. Canker is an intra-cellular infectious process that results in the development of abnormal tissue of the frog and could also result in a secondary bacterial infection. He was referred to RREH podiatry center for increased lameness and worsening conditions of the feet. On presentation the horse was in overall good physical condition, except severe lameness in both hind feet. He walked on his toes and would not fully put the heels of the hind feet down. Both hind feet had severe canker which was destroyed the frog, heel bulbs and hoof capsule in the heel region (video #1). The lesions were surgically debrided followed by laser cauterization (video #2). With the extent of the damage, there was not a strong hoof capsule to attach a shoe to and the decision was made to use a foot cast up to pastern, to stabilize the hoof while the tissue healed. The foot was packed with a mixture of tri-cide, metronidazole and tetracycline then casted. The horse was immediately more comfortable after the debridement and cast application. The first cast was changed after 4 days, and the second cast was left on for 2 weeks. The third cast was left on for 3 weeks. After the third cast, the foot was dry and regained enough integrity to attach a shoe and sole support. He remained comfortable up to the transition to the shoe and coming out of the cast (video #3). Over the course of ten days he adjusted to the change and became more comfortable. He made a full recovery and even went back to showing!
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:53:13 +0000
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