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hoof trimming

Swaying Opinion: Can Ataxia Cause Hind Hoof Rings?

May 6, 2023 by Jane @ THB 4 Comments

 

Did laminitis, trauma, nutrition, disease, or something else cause these hind hoof rings?

Recently I came across hoof rehab specialist Daisy Bicking’s view as to an additional cause of these rings. What she said on the subject made me sit up a little – OK, a lot.

Daisy Bicking, School of Integrative Hoofcare (c) Daisy Bicking & Easycare inc

Daisy is an internationally renowned expert of nearly 20 years’ professional standing (see: School of Integrative Hoofcare) who has radiographed hundreds if not thousands of hooves during that time.

Daisy took the picture at the top of this post, and here are her views on what’s happening.

Hind hoof rings and ataxia

Daisy explains that she has seen a correlation between these deep rings and ataxia.

‘Horses that get these repeated deep rings on their back feet (usually not found on the front feet) have been diagnosed or suspected of having some kind of neurological problem which impacts the stability of the hind end.

‘The waves in the hoof come from the horse’s efforts to stabilize.

‘I work on a large population of horses who have neurological issues. Not every one of them gets these rings.

‘But a high level of correlation leads me to believe that if I see these rings (hind feet, deep, symmetrical, predominantly in the quarters) I suspect some instability in the hind end of the horse.

‘It’s not very common but there’s definitely a correlation with neurological problems when I see them like this.

‘When a horse is ataxic, they spend a lot of their time trying to stabilize. This creates a sway pattern that some horses with neurological issues experience more than others.

‘I see it the most with horses who have permanent ataxia from things like EPM, arthritis in the vertebrae, etc.’

Yowzers.

The fact that I’m writing about this here is because within a month, I was able to apply her thinking to two cases I worked with.

Here’s the first.

The horse who convinced me

Fracture hind limb view rear

Take a look at this Australian Stock Horse mare with a very obvious stability issue. At this point, she was recovering from a pelvic fracture.

I can honestly say that in 18 years, I’ve never worked with a horse less stable.

The photo with the hind legs on an angle? Some days, that was the only way she could stand (and yes, she’s lucky to still be here).

pelvic fracture horse hind hooves
Hind hooves of horse destabilised by pelvic fracture. Photo by Jess.

In the hoof pictures, the deep and evenly spaced rings are evident.

Pelvic practure sway front hooves
Front hooves of horse destabilised by pelvic fracture. Photo by Jess.

We might say that these are only caused by trauma, but that doesn’t account for the repeated incidence of these rings, or their spacing.

And just look how there’s a difference in the nature of the front and hind hoof rings. The front hoof rings are raised, but the hind hoof rings are also sunken.

What’s more, trauma and ataxia can go hand-in-hand when associated with the same event.

What’s up with these hind hoof rings?

Daisy explains that the mechanism comes down to changes in blood perfusion in the hoof.

‘Think of the blood flow in the foot like a water balloon. How the foot is loaded greatly impacts where/how the fluid perfuses the blood vessels. The more blood flow, the faster growth.

Blood perfusion - the balloon concept.
Blood perfusion – Daisy’s balloon concept. Swaying achieves a similar effect, on a repeated intermittent basis. For more info: https://www.integrativehoofschool.com 

‘The sway creates a variation of load and subsequently blood perfusion that is unique to horses with certain ataxic conditions. Therefore we see these unique rings crop up in the feet.

‘I think where we see them and how long they stay depends on the degree of ataxia the horse is experiencing. If the neurological issues stick around, then they may have them forever.

‘If they are predominantly unsteady on the hind end then we see the rings on the back feet. Versus having ataxia on the front and hind ends, [when] you may see it on all four feet.’

Assessing a horse with hind hoof rings 

Now, here’s an interesting 5-yo OTTB mare.

I’d previously seen this mare dropping out and running / trotting behind during canter, which had made me curious.

Hind hoof rings are significantUpon meeting her, my eyes were soon drawn to her hind hooves.

Clearly they’ve plenty of problems, as is the case with many horses off the track. I was anticipating low heels and potential issues with pedal angles. But what caught my attention more was the series of rings.

These aren’t as pronounced as those in the above photos, and they’re in a tight band, but they’re certainly interesting. And they made me think about hind end sway.

In fact, they encouraged me to do a simple test: placing her right hind foot across the midline to rest in front of the other.

Hind hoof ataxia
Failure to replace the crossed over foot can be a sign of  ataxia.

Well, that revealed something: this girl didn’t replace her right foot for a long time. And she didn’t do that twice, because I repeated the test.

The horse not noticing foot placement in this way is a sign of possible neurological issues. They will usually replace it immediately.

Next, I lifted the right hind leg up and found it to be super stiff and heavy. It look real effort to lift it. Same with the left.

That’s not at all what I’d expect with a healthy young TB. And in case you’re wondering, her lumbosacral area was definitely weak – yet with sacroiliac pain, I’d expect a hind foot to be quickly lifted high, either medially or with a lateral ‘be careful’ flick. She did neither of those things.

What about the location of those rings?

Parallel rings are starting to emerge
It’s possible that parallel rings are developing in line with the stability issue.

By their position and general speed of hoof growth, the rings could be backdated to an event about 6 months ago.

This doesn’t change an assessment of instability – quite the opposite, as a fall might have caused ataxia OR it might have resulted from existing ataxia.

And looking closely, it does appear that the some parallel spaced rings are emerging (red arrows). Could this be a developing issue?

And could she be ataxic in front too?

More circumstantial evidence: the mare was unable to place her foot on a ramp while walking freely forwards.

The final images shows what kept happening when she tried placing the foot, without success, before stepping back.

Possible ataxia
A problem placing the foot. If a horse does this over and over, there may be a proprioceptive issue.

This she did several times, getting it wrong each time, despite having loaded on this vehicle before. You’d expect her to quickly figure it out after learning where the slope was.

It appears to be a proprioceptive issue, as her timing and spatial awareness are somewhat off.

If Daisy is right here, we can speculate that the hoof rings are reflecting ataxia that currently affects hindlimbs, but is also affecting the forelimbs to a degree. And there’s more than one known pathology that could be causing this.

Where to next?

Daisy Hoofcare summit
Daisy speaking at the International Hoofcare Summit

I’m finding this exploration interesting and will keep making my own observations. I really believe that it’s worth checking in with a new idea by looking at how it plays out with your own cases. Even then, it’s important to test the idea and consider it as a possibility rather than gospel truth.

That said, one thing I’ve learned through research is that fresh scientific findings frequently begin not only with published literature, but also with strong anecdotal evidence gathered by experienced observers over a period of time. Sometimes, solely so.

As these professionals then research the literature, further context is provided by previous studies – if they exist, that is.

I truly hope that the data Daisy has generated and the insight she has developed through hoof rehabilitation does find its way into the equine scientific literature.

Horses can only benefit from new findings that bring greater understanding to hoof-body relationships in the domestic horse.

More about Daisy

Daisy Bicking DEP, APF-I, CFGP, CLS, CE/CI is passionate about helping horses and the people who care for them.

Through Daisy Haven Farm, she supports the equine community by providing whole horse hoof care and rehabilitation services, designed to promote physical, mental and emotional well being.

She also spearheads the School of Integrative Hoofcare which provides education about the hoof and horse via in-person workshops, one-on-one mentorships, and virtual educational courses.

 

Filed Under: Bodywork Tagged With: ataxia, barehoof, c6 c7, daisy bicking, ECVM, equine neurology, GA, hoof rings, hoof trimming, natural hoofcare, neurological issues, Wobbler

10 Rehab Tips for Horses with High-Low or Upright Hooves

January 1, 2021 by Jane @ THB 9 Comments

 

Sorting out that high-low hooves situation. It’s the farrier’s job, isn’t it?

Well yes, they’re clearly the primary professional. But there are plenty of things you can also do to help.

As their horse’s bodyworker, I’m often the first to tell an owner that unbalanced forefeet are causing problems right through the body.

Related issues can include ringbone, carpal arthritis, shoulder asymmetry, base of neck arthritis, atlas rotation, TMJ issues, spinal rotation, scoliosis and even sacroiliac dysfunction – all depending on the severity and duration of the hoof issue.

That’s not me being dramatic. In an older horse, that’s absolutely the type of problems I can find when there’s a long term high hoof.

And don’t forget, there are the saddle fit issues that go along with all of that.

Here, in plain speak, is the list of rehab tips that I offer my clients, so that they can help their farrier to help their horse.

 

© All text copyright of the author, Jane Clothier, https://thehorsesback.com. No reproduction of partial or entire text without permission. Sharing the link back to this page is fine. Please contact me for more information. Thank you! 

 

Before We Start: Choose Your Hoofcare Professional Well

It’s obvious, but this is essential.

Hoofcare professional
No problems here! Megan Matters trims 3.5 month-old Fjord, Lodur (c) Karen Groneng, Greenfield’s Stud

Engage a hoof professional who walks the walk as well as talking the talk.

This is someone who can tell you about hoof function and how the ‘normal’ hoof works during loading and movement.

This is someone who frequently updates their professional training.

Professionals who take continuing education are informed about current research into hoof function, as well as methods to address problems.

They know a lot more about current best practice and are more likely to demonstrate it, too.

This most definitely isn’t someone who relies solely on the apprenticeship they completed many years ago.

How it helps:

Skilled hoofcare professionals will aim to achieve a similar height in the two front hooves, even though the hoof angles may be different when viewed from the side.

They will trim each hoof according to its underlying structure, making corrections where needed.

They will NOT simply try to create similar angles and toe length, which creates stresses in a high hoof, and sets your horse up for numerous hoof and body problems.

With a skilled hoofcare practitioner on board, there is plenty more you can do to help your horse through this process of change. The more effort you put in, the more your horse will improve.

 

1. Use Variable Feeding Positions

Variable feeding positions were first described by Sharon May-Davis, who recognised their value as a form of passive physio.

Haynet at poll height
(c) Jane Clothier, equinehealthworks.com

This one is easy: hang a haynet at poll height to replicate eating from trees. This encourages the horse to stand square while eating.

You’ll gain the best results from small hole nets, as your horse will twist her head from left to right while eating. She’ll also drop down to eat hay from the ground.

Doing so activates the deep muscles beneath the neck vertebrae. It also activates the muscles beneath both shoulder blades as she shifts her weight one foot to the other.

If you feed more than one net a day, place the other at chest height.

How it helps:

Think thoracic sling and freeing up the restrictions that have arisen from stabilising the weight over different height limbs, as well as adopting a ‘scissor’ position to eat (which will have contributed to the problem in the first place).

 

2. Introduce Different Surfaces

The hoof balance is changing, but there may still be asymmetries in your horse’s body that are slow to shift.

Horses on varied footings
All horses seem to appreciate the stimulation of new surfaces during hoof rehab for a variety of issues. (c) Tanja Kraus Horsemanship

Standing your horse on different and unfamiliar surfaces can make the body’s self-adjustments happen quicker.

If you’re able to put some down, gravel provides wonderful under-hoof stimulation. Sand too. Your horse can tilt his hooves toe-down, heel-down or side-down, as he wishes.

Interlocking mats are also effective and can be used anywhere, as can commercially made physio mats and pads.

Watch your horse become curious, start relaxing and yawning, and you know that body adjustments are happening from within.

How it helps:

It can take the nervous system a while to wake up and catch up with what’s new.

The horse has sensory nerves in the feet, and new surfaces provide different proprioceptive.

It’s not just the hoof – changes in balance are registered from the many neuroreceptors of the lower leg.

As the parasympathetic nervous system (‘rest and repair’) is activated, musles are allowed to relax and reset.

 

3. Feed on a Slope

Again, think thoracic sling. The horse must open up the spine at the cervico-thoracic junction (base of neck).

Feeding on a slope
(c) Jane Clothier, equinehealthworks.com

It’s also next to impossible to adopt a scissor position (the foreleg grazing stance, see no. 7 below) when eating on a slope.

How it helps:

Your horse is encouraged to load into the front hooves equally, left and right.

Finally, the soft tissue structures at the back of the leg will be gently stretched on the limb with the upright hoof.

 

4. Rock the Withers

Standing alongside your horse when she is standing square, gently rock the withers from side to side.

Rocking the withers
(c) Jane Clothier, equinehealthworks.com

Hold one or two wither processes at a time (feel for the ‘buttons’) and swing gently from one side to another.

This makes the horse load into one forefoot, then back into the other.

Do this from both sides to ensure equal work, as most of us are either stronger pullers or stronger pushers.

How it helps:

The horse is being asked to mobilise between the shoulder blades. When there’s restriction, she’ll raise a hoof on the swing away from that leg.

Easing any restriction will help with relaxing the shoulder on the high side and allowing the joint angles to open out.

She may dislike the exercise at first if it’s uncomfortable, but it will improve over time. You are also gently mobilising the spine deep to the shoulders.

 

5. Massage the Neck Muscles

When there’s a high foot, the restriction and reduced movement on that side (the stride and therefore leg swing is often shorter) will transfer up through the shoulders to the neck.

Tension also builds because the horse is trying – and failing – to balance their weight centrally.

This is a secondary effect, caused by the horse’s changed posture.

Pay particular attention to the fine muscles behind the poll, which will be imbalanced.

How it helps:

Releasing muscular tension will help the horse to move to a more symmetrical posture through training and postural improvement.

 

6. Good Old Carrot Stretches 

Use pieces of carrot to encourage stretches to either side.

This will help your horse to become more familiar with loading into both forehooves to a more equal degree.

Lateral carrot stretch
(c) Jane Clothier, equinehealthworks.com

There are many variations on these stretches and everyone has an opinion!

If you try to ensure that your horse is standing square in front, these stretches will help, whatever the exact approach.

How it helps:

The horse is stretching out the shoulder and neck muscles, including those beneath the shoulder blade, which are going to be more restricted on one side than the other.

This action will also stimulate and activate the deep spinal muscles, bring fresh ‘body awareness’ to the region (ie, proprioception).

 

7. In-Hand Grazing Tricks

Does your horse have an obvious ‘scissor’ grazing stance, as in the first photo (right)?

Grazing stance
Change is difficult at first! (c) Jane Clothier, equinehealthworks.com

If you horse’s high hoof is always the one at the back, then there is more you can do.

Try to spend up to 20 minutes a day feeding your horse in-hand.

Walk with her and let her graze, but ONLY allow her to do so when the upright foot is placed either level with the lower foot, or further ahead.

This means lots of stepping forward, stopping, stepping again, until she’s stood as you’d like.

This will be hard for your horse at first, as you can see here, but should become easier over time.

How it helps:

As grazing positions became long term, they also familiar and are adopted habitually. It’s like folding our arms or crossing our legs in one direction.

As the hooves become balanced, the horse will continue adopting the ‘old’ position.

This is a way of reprogramming your horse as the hooves start to become more balanced.

 

8. Daily Leg Stretches 

This is where little and often really helps. Perform gentle leg stretches forward.

Don’t haul the leg, but allow your horse to take up the last inch or so herself.

Foreleg stretch
(c) Jane Clothier, equinehealthworks.com

If there’s a lot of tension, go very gently and don’t stretch to the limit.

Let the cannon hang vertically from the knee, so you’re only extending the upper leg.

A hand behind the elbow will help and your encourage your horse to ‘pop’ the last part of the stretch.

Don’t force it. It’s not about physically lengthening muscles: you’re allowing signals to reach the brachial plexus (nerve centre behind the shoulder blade).

Watch out for your horse looking down and touching his own knee as you start doing this, almost as if he’s surprised to see it there.

How it helps:

This is far more than a muscle stretch! You are influencing the horse’s nervous system’s awareness of the forelimb’s joints and muscles, and the leg’s position in relation to the body and then the ground.

This is proprioception and it will benefit from some help in resetting itself at shoulder joint level.

This ‘resets’ the leg and improves awereness around various joints’ range of motion.

 

9. Joint Mobilization

The hoof height is changing and becoming more equalized, meaning there’ll be changes higher up the legs as well.

(c) Jane Clothier, equinehealthworks.com

The high hoof side will have to open out a bit, while the low hoof side will be slightly less extended than before.

This involves the soft tissue structures around joints, particularly those of the fetlock and pasterns.

Do you ever see horses shaking their hooves or rotating their lower limb? No.

Your horse is likely to love you for gently rotating and flexing the lower joints, allowing structures to move in different ways, where previously they have been limited.

Pasterns above an upright side are likely to feel stuck. Above an underrun hoof, they will feel loose.

How it helps:

Mobilizing the joints through gentle rotation helps to restore range of motion where it has been restricted.

Spaces will be opened up that allow fluid to circulate, lubricating the joint and bringing more freedom to tendon movement.

This all helps the horse to stand above the changed hoof, positioning the leg closer to where it needs to be.

 

10. Work Over Poles

Many horses with long toes have a tendency to trip. Once again, as the hoof balance changes, they need to adjust their sense of ‘where their feet are’.

Top: Ground poles (c) FEI.org Bottom: Extending the exercises to the trail (c) Tanja Kraus Horsemanship

Working over poles helps your horse to focus on individual hoof placement, in terms of both stride length and height of motion.

This can be done over ground and raised poles, or over logs on the trail.

For stronger input, back your horse over poles.

Lead him over with one fore foot, then back with that foot. Lead him over with both forefeet, then back with both. And so on, until the horse knows how to navigate during back-up with all four feet.

How it helps:

Once again, it’s about the proprioceptive input.

As well as ‘equalizing’ your horse’s awareness of its feet, you’re correcting for any lasting effects of pain.

Pain in one hoof and the joints above it has a negative effect on proprioception. Same if two hooves are affected by pain.

By doing this kind of work, you’re helping your horse’s nervous system to ‘square up’, along with the feet.

 

There’s more – there’s always more. For example, make sure that nutrition is adequately providing the building blocks for hoof growth, development and strength.

As you get going, you’ll find that these are not so much short term changes for rehabilitation, but part of a move towards a more proactiveway of managing your horse.

(c) Jane Clothier, thehorsesback.com

 

 

Filed Under: Bodywork Tagged With: bare hoofcare, bare hooves, barefoot horses, club foot, farrier, farriery, feeding positions, GA, hay high, high-low hoof, hoof trimming, natural hoofcare, upright hoof, variable feeding positions

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