Monday, November 30, 2015

Brego hoof update

When last we left our (enormous) hero, he'd managed to break off a huge hunk of hoof and completely lame himself:

Basically the worst hangnail ever

Fortunately, the new trimmer (our old one moved, pout) was due out a few days later and was able to address this. The biggest concern of both the trimmer and the vet is some nasty bacteria getting up in there and causing further complications. So, we wanted to get any "loose" bits removed so that he wouldn't risk further pulling chunks off, and also to make it easier to keep clean and treat.

30 minutes of careful trimming later, we were left with this:


It's kind of hard to see from this angle, but she took it as far back as she could on either side. There's nothing left to catch on, although we are keeping an eye on that crack right on his toe just in case it decides to let go too.

Despite the major hoof resection, Brego walked off MUCH more sound after his trim. I think the pressure from the constant pulling on that loose hoof wall was really uncomfortable, and this seems to have done the trick to help him. You can see near the bottom edge there's some bruising (not surprising) so he's not 100%, but he's definitely bearing weight more evenly now. And of course galloping up to the barn for breakfast, because we starve him.

We're continuing to medicate daily and keep it wrapped, plus he wears a boot when he's out since it's wet. Now it's just a matter of waiting until that foot grows - grow big Brego foot, GROW!!!

24 comments:

  1. Your trimmer did an AMAZING job!

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  2. That hurts just to look at. Glad he's improving!

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    1. Yeah, that doesn't look at all comfortable does it?

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  3. poor starving Brego :( seriously tho, what an improvement. fingers crossed he heals up with no complications!

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  4. worst hangnail, lol. that's funny. good thoughts for quick hoof growth!

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    1. Thanks, we need all the hoof growth we can get!

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  5. Nicely trimmed! Hopefully it grows out swiftly :)

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  6. WAGH that looks terrifying. I'm glad Brego feels better after the trim, as that would have freaked me the hell out.

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    1. Yeah I was a little concerned about the sheer quantity of hoof she was removing, but she'd trim a bit, put his foot down to see how he stood on it, trim a bit more, etc. This is why the pros are invaluable!

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  7. Replies
    1. At least it looks less ouchy, that's for sure!

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  8. Yay! :D That really does look less formidable. :)

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    1. And yay for a (seemingly) competent new farrier. :)

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    2. A good hoof care professional is REALLY important!

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  9. That is one impressive trim job!

    The fact that he is more comfortable makes all the difference. What size boot does a Brego where???

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    1. Brego's foot is 8.5 x 8.75 inches, so he's actually bigger than any boot than any boot manufacturer makes!

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  10. I am thinking positive growing thoughts for Brego! Man it looks so much nicer, poor dude.

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    1. Thanks! He needs all the growing he can get!

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