The effect of EI on Hoof Maintenance

by David Farmilo
Accredited Master Farrier, Oakbank SA
PH 0418 835 186
www.horsefarrier.com.au

The recent problems caused by the introduction of EI into NSW and QLD had unexpected and far reaching repercussions for everyone involved in any way with horses.

The word ‘farrier’ was rarely mentioned in official postings in the early days of the outbreak, but the farrier is obviously one of the most likely people to spread the infection. Very few farriers shoe for only one stable, and the majority of farriers would visit 5 or more places per day. The farrier using the same tools, the same apron, and wearing the same clothes and shoes as he goes from property to property is obviously a recipe for disaster with such a highly contagious infection.

Once the DPI barred farriers from properties, the next problem arose. Horses lose shoes, pull shoes, spring shoes and spread shoes so what should the average horse owner do when they can’t get a farrier?

My answer is one that I have been platforming for many years – all horse owners should at least have a minimal knowledge of hoof care and should definitely be able to remove a shoe. Even without factoring in EI, the single ability to remove a shoe would prevent many problems. If the shoe is partly off, the problem from the exposed nails is obvious. If the shoe has been partly torn from the hoof, there is risk of further damage if the shoe is not removed immediately.

A shoe puller and spreader is a must for the horse owner. In an emergency, the nails can be cut using the shoe puller then the shoe can be gently lifted.

A good rasp and handle is another item for the emergency kit – if the hoof has been torn, the rough edges can be gently rasped to prevent further damage until the farrier can get there.

Horse owners should be able to check the digital pulse of the horse if the horse displays lameness or if they suspect there is trauma in the hoof. Place the thumb and forefinger either side of the tendon at the bottom of the fetlock joint.

There is no need to know what the ‘normal’ pulse is – simply compare to the other leg. Any elevated pulse indicates a problem in the hoof. It is worthwhile noting that if the horse displays lameness but there is no elevated digital pulse, then the problem is not in the hoof, so look to the hips, back, neck etc.



Another worthwhile addition to the first aid kit, especially if you are a long way from vet or farrier, is an animal lintex poultice and a full roll of elastoplast.

If there is an elevated digital pulse, or if the sole has been punctured or is bleeding, a poultice should be applied. Cut the poultice in 2 equal halves – one half is sufficient for one hoof.

Dip the poultice in cold water, place over the sole with the corner pointing up the leg, mould around the hoof, then use the full roll of elastoplast to create a boot to secure the poultice to the hoof. The horse will need to be stabled to preserve the poultice.

Leave for 24 hours, then cut the poultice away starting from centre heel to centre toe, this enables you to inspect the inside of the ‘boot’ for pus, blood etc. Check the pulse again, and apply the other half of the poultice only if the pulse is still elevated.

The ability to manage out of hours hoof problems may just save you and your horse many weeks of trauma.