I discovered a problem

[lonelyfarmgirl]

This past month has been especially muddy and gross. I last trimmed hooves in January on the whole herd.
Yesterday, the weather was nice, so we moved the herd to fresh ground so we could start cleaning out the winter pens.

Everyone got put on the stand for hoof trimming, worming, and general health check. This one oberhasli that always seems to have some issue or another has a major foot problem. When I trimmed her hooves, the inside toe on each front foot was very fat. The hoof is away from the soft center, only on the outside of the toe and was packed full of mud. I cleaned it out and it just stinks. It doesn't seem to bother her, but obviously it is a problem. What do I do about this? I have never seen it before.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Koppertox horse hoof treatment from the farm supply store. I have also heard that Lysol works.

[Backfourty,MI.]

I've not had any hoof problems like that before but have read to use Koppertox as well. Sounds like maybe she has Hoof rot? Probly because of all the moisture, mud & water.

It's been extra wet & muddy here too & I always worry about that stuff too. We do have all our houses on decking & pallets that we lay down all over in their winter pens as well as the barn since it's a dirt floor, That way if it's been storming or first thing after all the snow melt they always have dry places to stay out of the water & mud. The outside decking areas we put the black rolled roofing on them to help protect the wood, keeps them from getting so slippery too.

We even have some pallets & the big wooden spools in both pasture areas just incase they want to lay on them, etc. even though I only put them in their pastures when I know it's not going to rain or storm.

[jill.costello]

I trim away anything that has separated, and I trim away any crumbly, soggy "stuff". I trim the rest of the foot as normal as possible. Koppertox is good, but don't get it on yourself or you'll be green for days! Usually, I can get the gunkiness trimmed away, treat with Koppertox and not worry again; the strong remaining hoof grows down quickly and hopefully now that their on new footing, that will be the end of your troubles.

[lonelyfarmgirl]

Usually when the snow starts to thaw and it gets muddy, we fork away the sloppy ground hay and re-bed with new, and I move their houses as need be so it stays as dry as possible in there. So I should trim off all of the separated hoof part? I think it might be separated all the way up to where her skin connects.

[jill.costello]

I would trim anything that can act as a pocket for bacteria. If it's already separated, then it is dead and won't hurt snipping off. Of course, you'll be very careful not to quick her. If the whole side of the hoof will then be exposed, you might find she's sore or tender/ favoring it. Same as if the doctor had to remove one of your toenails...(i've had this done, yeowch!). Perhaps someone on here has an idea about a duct tape bootie, but honestly, being open to the air and sunshine is best for keeping bacteria at bay.

[jill.costello]

we love pictures, lol....

[lonelyfarmgirl]

I have also lost nails and it sucks. I will see if I can get a photo on here soon.

[julieq]

We use Blue Kote wound spray on our horses and goats hooves if they develop a bit of thrush. Basically it's gentian violet and works wonderfully, plus the spray is easy to apply.

[lonelyfarmgirl]

I have both blue and red. Ill use that until we can get to the farm store for the other stuff.