re: torn frog

[Teresa Van Hove <vanhove@ucar.edu>]

Tim

I'm not a vet or a farrier, but I'll respond and probably the
pro's will jump in if I'm off base.  I'm having a hard time
visualizing the tear from your description, but if it were
my horse I'd be concerned if a torn frog was causing lameness
and get my vet (who is an excellent equine vet and great
with lameness) out to inspect things.  My horse's frogs
get a little overgrown, and the top will start to tear
off fairly often so I just slice the hanging (dead) bit
off with a hoof nice so that it doesn't keep tearing and
take off a big chunk of live frog. My horses have never
shown any soreness from these kinds of tears.  My gelding
bruised his frog once and it made him very lame (the ride
vet was wondering if he had broken a coffin bone till I
put an easy boot on which gave him relief, but did 
not make him completely sound.)  I'd be worried about infection
based on your description and a deep hoof infection can 
permanently cripple a horse - which is why I'd be getting my vet 
out if I had the same situation.  

Good luck,

Teresa



> Going on 2 weeks now, my mare, Jayda, has been off at
> a trot.  Gave her a rest and trotted her out in hand
> today to see how she is.....still off.  From her head
> bobbing, it appears to be the right front that is
> sore.  At the point her head started bobbing, I jumped
> off immediately and walked her back to the trailer.  I
> have not been on her since.  There has not been any
> signs of swelling or abnormal heat in any of her
> limbs.  This lead us to think possibly a stone bruise,
> and maybe it would work out in a couple weeks.  No
> signs of a stone bruise working out yet.  Had a friend
> look at her, who has not looked at here yet. 
> Immediately he find a tear in her right front frog. 
> Sure'nuff, she appears not to like contant on this
> portion of her.  The tear is just above the base of
> the frog and at least a half inch or more.  I guess my
> question is, what is the best way to help this heal?
> We put some peroxide on it for now, but wanted some
> opinions on how to proceed.  
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Tim