The Foot

$Text Box: FROM THE CHAPTER ON THE FOOT BUTTRESS FOOT PYRAMIDAL DISEASE This is a condition affecting the pedal bone caused by excessive strain placed on the common digital extensor tendon where it inserts on the extensor process of the bone resulting in a reaction in the periosteum. The consequence of this is new bone growth, sometimes referred to as a form of low ringbone, which can also occur as result of a fracture involving the extensor process. The new bone that appears sometimes affects the hoof wall. A ridge may form, running from the coronary band down to the sole. The resulting lameness is not specific but affected animals will show a shortened stride, with a tendency to point the affected foot and to land heavily on the heel. Acute early symptoms include pain, heat and swelling at the level of the coronary band in the centre of the wall. Suggested remedies Acute cases Ruta grav 200c Fluoric acid 30c Apis 30c Phosphoric acid 30c Longstanding chronic cases Heckla lava 6c Ruta grav 6c Calc Fluor 6c Silica 6c WHITE LINE DISEASE The white line is the junction of the sole with the wall of the foot. If the horse is allowed to stand in damp, wet conditions for a long period of time, bacteria can invade the white line. Poor hoof care will be a contributory factor. Diagnosis can be confirmed by looking for the telltale dark black, foul smelling material running in a line round the junction of the sole and wall. Most horses with white line disease will not be lame unless infection spreads wider to involve the hoof wall. Suggested remedies Dose: Twice daily Hepar sulph 200c Initial remedy to be considered in simple cases Kreosotum 200c For more severe or advanced cases$

Text Box: Calcium fluoride can help with a number of foot problems

Text Box: Ruta Grav or Rue is used widely homeopathically to help with foot and musculoskeletal problems in general