A Veterinarian/Farrier Team approach to Corrective and Therapeutic Horseshoeing

Drs. Bill Johnson, DVM, Rachel Merrill, DVM and Mary Smith, DVM of Leatherstocking Equine Center in New Berlin, NY invited veterinarians and farriers to join them for an equine podiatry clinic on Saturday, November 22.

Working as a team, they diagnosed the cause of lameness in 5 clinical horse cases with undiagnosed foot problems using lameness examinations, nerve blocks and digital radiography.  This stimulated discussions on corrective trimming/shoeing from the farriers attending.  A plan was made for maintenance care of the horses that could be implemented using the veterinarian/farrier approach following more immediate corrective shoeing.

The public was invited to attend the clinic following the workup on the cases.  A panel discussion with the public describing the team approach to the cases and what was done was an excellent chance for clients to gain more education about foot care and realize what steps can be involved in working on lameness.  Horse owners and farriers also had the opportunity to talk to Afton Farrier Supply owners, Bruce and Joyce Haak, about the many types of horseshoes and supplies that are available to make a horse perform to their full potential.  Leatherstocking Equine Center has the newest technology in equipment available for diagnosing foot problems and Afton Farrier Supply had the newest in therapeutic horseshoes on hand for the farriers to choose from.     

This first session of the veterinarian/farrier team approach that Leatherstocking Equine Center has offered was well attended by veterinarians, farriers and horse owners.  Dr. Bill Johnson hopes this will be the first of many productive sessions for everyone involved and looks forward to having another one next year.