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Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.

Your vet may diagnose

Hoof Pain After Trimming or Shoes Pulled

Summary

Sole soreness after trimming is a common diagnosis in cases where there is no other underlying condition diagnosed, and it is considered "normal" for some horses. It can result from a variety of factors including hoof conformation, depth of sole, sole hardness, pain tolerance, or the amount of change in hoof length.

Horses with a variety of other underlying conditions can be sore after trimming or shoe removal. In cases of simple soft, tender soles, horses feet toughen in a variable period of time. However, if horses are very sore, other conditions should be ruled out with a veterinary lameness exam.

Regardless, horses that are sole sore after trimming or having shoes pulled need a period of rest. Whether additional treatments are needed depend on the severity of the soreness and the underlying cause.

my vet's role

PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS

Depends on many factors. In most uncomplicated cases, the prognosis is good.

my role


Questions To Ask Your Vet:
  • What change in shoeing or shoeing interval do your recommend to prevent this problem?
  • Will sole hardeners be of any value?
Prevention

Maintain shoeing or trimming intervals at 8 weeks or at an interval that prevents drastic alteration in length of hoof.

further reading & resources

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP