Shoes mask weaknesses, barefoot highlights strengths
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| Relatively subtle bull nose |
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| Lovely example, note HA, pair to next photo |
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| Pair to previous |
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| Hoof from 3rd photo note bull has dropped out. Very clear HA |
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| Getting there |
What is a bull nosed hoof? Most (but not all) bull nosed hooves are found on the hinds. They are how the hind feet express deficiencies in diet and trimming that are normally (but not always) seen as flaring in the fronts.
The first photo shows a distinct but subtle bull nose. The remaining photos show the journey from a recently deshod (and pretty sick) hoof to a straighter healthier hoof. There is still a way to go, but I think you will agree, the difference is noticeable.
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11 comments:
Pia's hinds look so much worse than this! god it makes my stomach churn.....
Thank you so much! That is pretty much what I had in mind but it's great to know for sure.
That second last photo is amazing, what a good teaching picture as the difference between the HA and bull nose is so pronounced.
Could you expand on what specifically needs to be addressed in the trimming? Is a bull-nosed hind often associated with a clubbed fore (diagonal)?
I accidentally did this to my gelding when I started trimming by rasping his heels too low. Fortunately I learned my mistake quickly and his angles are much better now. Wasn't nearly as bad as your second guy though, eek.
I have been trying to get to the bottom of bullnoses. Various different views out there but my very experienced farrier thinks it is where P3 is out of alignment.
The wall of the hoof then deviates to grown around the tip of p3 (where the toe is to long) to accomodate hence you see the bullnosing.
I must say that theory does make sense to me.
Ok - causal factors for bull nose. You can do it with shoeing and/or poor trimming, but an important factor is diet. If the fronts are flaring forwards because of (usually) inappropriate diet (read all the entries about hind gut acidosis etc) then the hinds equivalent response is to bull nose.
The comment regarding P3 is very old technology. It's a bit like saying that my foot is at fault when my trainers don't fit.
Go to a dissection if you are able - try moving p3 while the tendons are intact. What actually happens is because the lamella bonds are damaged the hoof capsule 'moves away'. Again have a jolly good look at a dissection of a laminitic hoof and you will see what I mean. I will try and do a post on this but there is nothing quite like seeing it in 3D.
like the last three posts, interesting one too on transition.
here is something uncanny... I read your post on bullnose and on checking feet, realize that the hind on which I think J has been ouchy, is showing a bull nose...
can this be a response to some kind of trauma/bruising? there is a good HA above (i'll email you pics if you like)
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I just recently got the CD from my trimmer of my horse the first time John saw him. He was bull nosed in front and flared in back! Then again, it's so like him to be backwards. The difference in the years since has been incredible. I do a lot of absorbing and little commenting, but always read your posts. It's nice to see GOOD hoof photos and proper balance.
Anon - bull noses are a reflection of what is happening to internal structures. In themselves they don't cause lameness, but they may be reflecting something which is.
Equally don't rule out other causes such as bruising, thin soles, thrush and/or sheared heels.
This is really interesting. Since I am rehabbing Guinness's thin soles (and multitude of other issues), anything that might be related to that is super intriguing! I'm pleased to say that we are seeing some improvement. New photos and update here: http://guineaforaguinness.blogspot.com/
You've been such a push to try again!
Please could you email me with some help on how I can correct a severe bull nose on my rescue horse, he can barely walk on them. I can send photos.
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