Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

There have been several posts lately about using pads, or boots on 
horses that are barefoot or ouchy, and several have mentioned mushy 
soles and/or thrush.  So, once again, I am posting my recipe for the 
Special Sauce I use that eliminates this problem:


One part Tincture of Iodine (AKA 7% iodine)
One part Venice Turpentine
One part Formaldehyde (get it from your vet, or a pharmacy)

Mix it up in a heavy plastic jug.... clothes detergent bottles are 
awesome, as are vinegar bottles.  Then transfer some to a hoof dressing 
can... the kind with a brush.  Always wear good quality rubber gloves, 
as formaldehyde is bad stuff.

I put this on my horses feet a few times a week in wet weather, less in 
dry  And I always put in on a few days in a row after they've been 
shod.  Since I started doing this, I've not had any ouchies, or 
abcesses, or stone bruises.  I never pad, even for the rockiest of 
terrain.

If you are going to be having pads put on your horse, I suggest using 
this stuff every day for at least four days prior to padding.  And it 
works great for barefoot/booted horses too.  No thrush, no whiteline, 
so soft mushy soles.  I haven't had any thrushy horses in so long, I 
can hardly remember what it smells like!

I have a question though.... I have suggested this stuff many times 
over the years, and I haven't had anyone say they use it, tried it, or 
any other comments.  What gives?  I know a few vets that used to sell 
it in my area, but stopped because of formaldehyde being a 
carcinogenic, and they were worried about liabilty. Is this keeping 
people from using it?  Basically, what I was told was that horses, with 
their shorter than human life-spans are not likely to have problems 
with being exposed to formaldehyde.  Makes sense to me.  Anyway, I'm 
curious... especially since so many people are trying the barefoot/boot 
thing these days.  Seems this stuff would be right up their alley, and 
in everyone grooming bucket.

Julie


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