Re: Founder

[Sue Riegel <riegels@cdsnet.net>]

Hi, Anne,

I have an 8 yo Peruvian mare who foundered over 2 years ago with
rotation in both front feet.  She originally foundered on too many
acorns (an evacuation pasture due to a fire close by), and had periodic
bouts with laminitis over the next 18 months due to various causes: 
 road concussion, a little too much spring grass, etc.  In my experience,
once foundered, the horse is extremely sensitive to everything!

I'd get a set of x-rays done of each foot to verify where the coffin bone
is in relation to the hoof wall front and in relation to the sole.  This will
tell you what you're working with and will help a farrier determine
if special shoeing is needed.

If the horse has been working and has stayed sound, you've got a good
candidate.  Diet and exercise plus a competent farrier with *updated*
knowledge about treating an other than normal hoof are critical. 

Re  my mare:  she is now sound, and competing successfully in LDs (5 this
year 
so far), and showing no signs of problems.  She may not be the 50 miler 
I want, but for reasons other than her feet.   

Her recovery was due to controlled diet (grass hay only with 6 lbs of
Purina Horse Chow 100) and exercise, but *more*  importantly
finding the right farrier with current knowledge of treating foundered horses.

If you'd like more information, I'd be glad to share.  Best of luck!

Sue


 


At 03:49 AM 8/18/98 PDT, you wrote:
>Hi everyone!
>
>I am taking a friend to look at a horse today that apparently foundered 
>last year.
>
>The horse is l0 years old, and always perfectly healthy.  Last year he 
>apparently pigged out on lush green pastures (too much, too quick) and 
>foundered.  The owner is also a breeder/trainer and caught it 
>immediately and he had the best vet care, and it was take care of 
>quickly.  No bone rotation. She has been right up front about the 
>founder and says he has not had problems since.
>
>Reason for selling ... too many new babies ... not enough time to ride 
>her own horse.  Too much time training ... not enough attention to him.  
>Wants a good home.
>
>So, my question is, can an otherwise healthy horse founder once and turn 
>out okay.  What do we look for, besides having a vet check if she is 
>really interested in him.  Does it mean he will founder easily again 
>since he already did it once ....?
>
>Your input would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks.
>
>Annie K
>
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>
Sue Riegel, So. Oregon
Peruvians and Keeshonden