Equine Podiatry & Farrier Services in Citrus Heights
Equine podiatry is a critical part of caring for your horse and maintaining its overall health and well-being. Proper hoof care can prevent lameness, improve athletic performance, and lead to a longer, happier life for a horse.
If your equine needs urgent hoof care, regular farrier services, or if you’re simply looking to take preventive measures for any future concerns, contact our Citrus Heights equine clinic today to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Family Friends Veterinary Hospital for Your Horse’s Care
At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we specialize in equine care, including podiatry and farrier services to keep your horse’s hoofs in top condition. Our team provides specialized care that caters to each individual horse’s needs and the needs and requests of each owner.
We provide specialty foot care including trimming and shoeing, as well as treatment of injuries, lameness assessments, and provide guidance and at-home treatment plans for equine owners.
We realize that pet care, and chiropractic care especially, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our vets practice a personalized approach to ensure each pet receives the best possible care. Each animal’s unique anatomy, condition, and health history plays a key role in what types of treatment our team recommends and performs.
The Importance of Regular Hoof Care
Regular hoof evaluations and treatments are critical for horses of all breeds and disciplines. Hoof-related issues are common, and, if left unaddressed, can lead to significant health issues down the line. Proactive care can help optimize an equine’s performance and longevity. Here are some important things to look out for.
Common Equine Hoof Conditions
Symptoms of these conditions could include heat in the hoof, lameness, reluctance to walk or move, and shortened strides. If you notice any of these signs or suspect your horse may have a hoof-related condition, contact our office to schedule care as soon as possible.
Laminitis
Laminitis refers to a painful inflammation of the laminae, the soft tissue connecting the hoof wall to the coffin bone. This condition can lead to severe lameness and, in severe cases, rotation of the coffin bone.
Navicular Disease
This degenerative condition, which affects the navicular bone and surrounding structures, causes chronic heel pain and lameness.
White Line Disease
White Line disease refers to a fungal or bacterial infection in the white line of a horse’s hoof, leading to the separation of the hoof wall and sole.
Thrush
Thrush is a bacterial infection typically caused by wet or unsanitary conditions. It produces black discharge and can potentially lead to lameness.
Hoof Cracks
Splits or fissures in a horse’s hoof can occur from trauma, improper care, or nutritional deficiencies.
Abscesses
Abscesses are pockets of pus that form within the hoof, typically caused by a bacterial infection.
Your veterinarian will also be able to help diagnose symptoms of any potential condition. While it varies by condition, some common symptoms in horses include weight loss, behavioral changes, poor coat condition, lethargy, or lameness.
Diagnostic Techniques & Evaluation
Our Citrus Heights equine clinic utilizes the latest diagnostic techniques and veterinary technology to diagnose and treat hoof conditions. This includes radiography (hoof X-rays), ultrasound equipment, and MRIs. We also conduct equine thermography thermal imaging, which evaluates a horse’s body temperature and can detect areas causing inflammation, lameness, and other hoof issues.
These diagnostic tools allow us to make a fully accurate diagnosis, which is critical for designing the proper treatment plan for each horse.
Treatment & Corrective Shoeing
Hoof problems can affect the soundness of a horse and can lead to numerous long-term health concerns. Corrective shoeing is a common way to address the effects of these hoof issues.
Corrective shoeing can help improve the angles of the hoof, which aids in shock absorption and can reduce or eliminate pain. In addition to corrective shoeing, there are other treatment options your vet may recommend that are designed to treat hoof conditions
Payment Options for Podiatry at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we offer flexible financing and insurance options for Podiatry. Sign up today with any of our payment plan partners or contact us for specific questions about insurance coverage. Read more about our financing options here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Podiatry
Generally, shod horses follow a 4-6 week schedule year round, and barefoot horses 6-8 week schedule year round. This interval may change depending on the horse’s hoof growth, and if they are a show horse or an athletic horse.
Yes, proper nutrition can reduce the risk of your horse developing hoof- and foot-related health issues. Consult with your vet for feeding recommendations for your particular horse.
Apply hoof conditioner to the hoof wall during dry weather and consider hoof protection like boots in difficult weather to prevent cracks and thrush. Maintaining proper diet and nutrition, and routinely providing professional trimming and shoeing are also essential for hoof health.
Book an Appointment at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
New pets are always welcome at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital. Our friendly veterinary staff looks forward to providing our neighbors in Citrus Heights and surrounding communities with the veterinary care they need.
