Long Toes in Hind Feet Cause Gluteal Pain

I've been thinking a lot about long toes lately, and especially about how long toes on hind feet can lead to hind end issues. There's an article out now that really sheds light on this issue! Read the article here.

Case Study: Goose

Here are some photos of one of my client horses. Goose came to his owners with a bad case of central sulcus thrush and contracted heels. While we don't have photos of the condition of his feet then, you can see now how he no longer has a deep central sulcus, and his frogs have bulked up considerably. Goose suffered from infrequent "pasture trims" which allowed his toes and heels to grow forward. His heels raised his frogs off of the ground leading to atrophy of his digital cushion and contraction, and created the perfect breeding ground for thrush. During the pre purchase exam the veterinarian easily drew blood probing his frogs, showing how the thrush had eaten away the protective tissue so that only a thin layer of skin covered his frog corium.

Goose's new owners were committed to treating his thrush, and had the most success using the Grand Circuit product White Lighting. Once the infection was eliminated, Goose was ready to have his toes brought back and his heels lowered to begin the process of developing a strong, callused frog and digital cushion. Goose is now landing solidly heel-first at all gaits. Also note the before and after body shots, showing the effect of the trim on "opening up" his stance. When the hooves have grown forward the horse often stands "camped under" in order to place his hooves under his bony column and take the pressure off of the tendons and ligaments along the back of the leg.