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The Kentucky Horseshoeing School put on these advanced therapeutic clinics on two weekends.  They did an outstanding job.  I had a great time and learned a lot.

Module I

Fabrication & Application of Therapeutic Materials

  Scott Morrison, DVM lecturing.  He talked in depth about heel pain, club feet, laminitis (and their similarities), low (compressed) heels, quarter cracks, keratoma, infections, foal and mature limb deviations.  I have never seen information laid out as logically and clearly.  Thank you Dr. Morrison.

  Consulting...

  Handmade wedge aluminum. Mitch Taylor showed us how to manipulate the dimensions of metal.  This is the foundation of building applications that can help your horse.  Tell me; have you ever seen a handmade? 

We also did other things such as Sigafoos applications, TIG welding aluminum, and various adhesive modalities.  I have certainly never had a better learning experience.  

Module I is designed as a good start to take home some work for Module II.

 Module II

Effective Use of the Heartbar Shoe

This was a big step up in interesting and educational.  George Platt, DVM was the headline clinician.  Dr. Platt and Mitch Taylor (owner of KY School) surprised me with what I am about to show you.  

  Dr. Platt started Friday off with a lecture in which he presented us with some very interesting theory. 

Lecture points:

1. The circumflex artery is the primary concern.  The prognosis is based on condition of circumflex artery. 

2. Bute/banamine is counter-indicated because pain causes the horse to be self limiting.  His point is that a horse will not damage itself laying down.   

3. Radiographs should stay with horse.  Any practitioners working on horse should have access to radiographs, so they should be with the horse.

4. Arteriogram to show terminal supply is preferred imaging modality with hoof standing on film using special case. 

5. Serious resections should have diapers applied with sugardine on wounds.

6. Back half frog pressure is safe for all stable hooves.

7. 25 years of dissections show DDF adhesions, but no cysts.  Dissections are very important to learning.

Laminitis protocol:

1. Radiographs

2. Serum analysis: infection, thyroid ulcers?

3. No bute/banamine

4. Start work on worst hoof first.

After the lecture and some discussion, we started work on four horses hauled in for the clinic.

  This mare was brought in by Mr. Taylor and was the first horse to get a dorsal wall ressection and fit with proper heartbar. First, a series of radiographs are taken.

Now I must go do these things!  I'll finish soon.