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Susanella Noble, CNBBT
Casting Tape: An Invaluable Aid For The Hoof Healing Process
The use of casting tape has opened new frontiers in healing and actually reversing the pathologies of laminitis, wall cracks, navicular syndrome, negative palmar/platar angle, injuries, arthritis and grazing (club) feet. It has revolutionized hoof rehabilitation by drastically reducing pain, protecting the capsule, stimulating circulation and allowing mobility which gives the crippled horse renewed will to live!
Casting tape is made from knitted fiberglass fabric which is impregnated with polyurethane resin and sets instantly with the application of water. Casting tape 1)Protects 2) Molds to & maintains the hoof shape 3) Allows air & moisture to wick & evaporate 4) Ideal for all weather & every terrain
Case Study: Laminitis
Kila
20+ year old mare in shoes since the age of three -- suffering lameness issues in all feet for many years with apparent severe rotation of the RF coffin bone as well as severe arthritis in knees and hocks.
April, 2011 ..................................................................September, 2011
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When I first met Kila in the pouring rain, I trimmed and cast her RF without the benefit of radiographs. A month later the vet came to take the first x-rays and returned to take another set four months later. The second radiograph of the RF shows significant derotation, better alignment of the joints, new thicker sole growth and remodeling of the tip of the coffin bone!
May, 2011 ..................................................................September, 2011
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February 2012
Note from owner after taking mare out of casts: "Dear Susanella, Kila is amazing ...you are amazing. Walking walking. She comes into the barn to eat because that's "her Place," even though the barn floor is dry and kind of hard compared to the pasture grass. Amazing. I have been cleaning her feet (and everyone's) more now because SHE LIFTS BOTH FRONT FEET and can stand on ANY3 three feet now!!! The RF is kind of scary and ugly (mishapen) underneath, but cleanable."
Casting tape sets up when the weight is loaded to promote healthy remodeling of the hoof capsule. There is no magic wand = it takes TIME for horses with distortions to grow new capsules with improved hoof function that can withstand all terrains. However, the longer the pathology has been building, the less chance of restoring optimal hoof function. Abscesses are part of the healing process - nature's way of flushing out necrotic tissues to make way for healthy ones. The accompanying infections that come with abscesses can be devastating, especially in older horses.
Case Study: Hoof Crack
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After pulling the shoes & giving a good trim, I glued pieces of casting tape across the dorsal crack to stabilize the position & cast as normal. The cast was changed every four weeks for five months before there was a solid reconnection in the area to go barefoot. Nine months later the new hoof had grown down almost to the ground and the mare was sound enough to go back to work under saddle.
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It took millions of years of evolution for horses to evolve their perfect hooves on rocky terrain. I constantly study the living hoof and know that it has the amazing ability to remodel itself even from catastrophic insult. I work hand-in-hand with the laws of nature and prove that the holistic approach produces a healthy, happy horse.
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