EQUINE PODIATRY AT AESAH

Equine podiatry has become an integral part of the daily work here at AESAH. We have introduced our Preventive Hoof Care Program in the last year (see more on the Preventive Hoof Care Page) and we have extended our diagnostic and treatment protocols for both Laminitis and Navicular Syndrome. All of these efforts are part of our whole horse approach to veterinary medicine here at AESAH. For example, evaluating the balance of the hoof capsule in relation to the bony column of the foot can really only be done in relation to the conformation, way of going and intended use of the horse. Likewise, the treatment of laminitis must be accompanied by not only mechanical support of the digit for healing and comfort but also by an exhaustive search for underlying causes of the inflammation to best be able to correct the problem and as much as possible prevent its recurrence.

To accomplish these goals we have gathered a first rate team of professionals to work on these problems. The veterinary staff at AESAH headed by Dr. Julie Grohs has done extensive research on all aspects of podiatry gathering a massive library of textbooks, articles, videotapes, models, and in house clinical data to support that research. Members of the staff have attended numerous continuing education meetings, seminars and clinics to stay at the “cutting edge” of today’s knowledge and research regarding equine podiatry. The technical staff at AESAH are trained to help obtain the highest quality diagnostic information possible in the form of radiographs, venograms and photograhs. We have coordinated our efforts with a team of professional farriers who have all devoted considerable time, effort and finances toward the study of equine podiatry, a study that goes far beyond the routine practice of horse-shoeing.