Macro-Pathology of the Equine foot and Consequences of Orthopaedic Balance
Why is Equine Orthopaedic Balance so important?
To understand the complex interrelationships of hoof balance and the overall biomechanics requires carefully scrutiny of external hoof pathology as well as an understanding of what is happening to the internal structures of the foot. Recognising and placing emphasis on external macro-pathology maybe somewhat of a ‘missing link’ which is vital to gain a better outcome. Once this is achieved it is then necessary to consider the changes in the upper body of the animal. These can be dynamic reloading patterns resulting in muscle tension patterns, fatigue of the major muscles of the passive stay apparatus, and eventual chronic alteration of ligamentous tension and persisting pain issues. It is worth exploring this inter-relationship by considering misalignment of tissue structures more commonly encountered with problems in the forelimb.
To read more please follow the link to a paper by Darrall Clifford for the 2014 American Veterinary Association conference in Phoenix: