The end of June marked the 6 month anniversary of our “foot fetish project.” All of our laminitic horses in the project were X-rayed again to see what progress had been made or not since December of last year. We got good and bad news. The good news is that Thor and Bojingles both showed excellent progress, in large measure because of their trims, and for Thor his shoes. Bo will continue to receive anti-inflammatory medicine. The other horses in the project that have navicular disease – Shorty and Bryant – continue to thrive with their shoes. They are on a regular trimming/shoeing schedule now, and this seems to have made a significant difference in both of their qualities of life. Our two latest additions to the project – Jasmine and Mowen, are also doing well. Mowen, who has thin soles like Thor, responded immediately and happily to his new shoes. Jasmine, who has laminitis, responded wonderfully to her new trims and appropriate diet and is sound!
Sadly, Sassy and Magic showed further deterioration of their serious hoof issues. Our vet confirmed that their conditions are just too serious for there to be an effective treatment. They too will continue on anti-inflammatory medications and we will watch carefully for any further signs of decline.
One thing that has us scratching our heads. Even though Sassy and Magic’s conditions have deteriorated, they seem happier. Sassy has made friends with Bojingles, so she now has both Bo and her loyal guardian Chance to watch over her. She nickers now when people pass in the barn. Magic, who has historically been a little cranky and nippy, is bonded with Thor and now seems to love human attention. How can their medical conditions be worse, but their lives better?
