I've received a few posts suggesting using easyboots/easyfoam with a
concussion-absorbing pad insert to reduce the bruising. Also periodic
soaking with epsom salts seemed to lessen the discomfort.
My vet/farrier has been trying to get a handle on this particular
horse's problems. She finally contacted the vet/farrier who
'invented' the Equithotics shoes (I don't know his name). He also
has been studying this problem over the years, and developed the
Equithotics as a means to alleviate the bruising. His observation
is that in horses with chronic heel bruising, the hoof wall and the
lamina have actually separated - probably a combination of genetic
predisposition and repeated concussion. He has observed the problem
mostly in jumpers and endurance horses. Once the wall/lamina separation
occurs, it is pretty permanent, but the bruising can be controlled.
He recommends a convex pad which distributes the weight more evenly
over the sole of the foot - particularly the frog area.
If anyone has any more information or observations on this please contact me.
Steph
--,+'^'+, ,+'^'+, Steph Teeter http://www.endurance.net `+,.,+'