Foot twists when walking

[gila_dog]

One of my wethers has developed an problem. When he's walking on soft terrain, his left rear foot twists as he walks. His heel twists out, his toes go inward, and he puts all his weight on the outside toe. He's not putting his weight on the inside toe. When he's on a hard surface, or when he's running, the problem isn't apparent. I've tried all kinds of hoof trimming ideas but it's not improving. I think I have the hooves pretty parallel with the hairline and they seem pretty flat. His left foot looks just like his right, which works fine. Attached are some pics. Any knowledge, wisdom, guidance, or suggestions would be appreciated.













In this picture the inside toe is on the left. It seems to be lower and not aligned as vertical as the outside toe. But the right foot looks the same, and doesn't twist.

[Alice In TX/MO]

My Saanen milker's feet do that. I think it's a problem of white hooves and needing extra frequent trimming.

In horses, white hooves are notorious for being soft, and my experience is the same in goats.

Make sure your goats get enough copper, and trim every couple of weeks.

[gila_dog]

Thanks Alice.

Also, I got some very good guidance on this problem on another forum. Good pics too. It has to do with how fat the heel "bulb" is on the hooves. And this is probably related to what Alice said about Saanens and their softer feet (this goat is a Saanen). Unfortunately I don't think I can put a direct link in a message on this forum. If anybody is interested, google for packgoat forum, and then find my post about "ankle twist" under "hoof care".

Here's my goat buddy, Pinto. He's a good guy, a helluva packgoat, and he really loves to go for hikes and carry stuff.

[Alice In TX/MO]

http://www.packgoatforum.com/viewtop...le+twist#p8620

[Alice In TX/MO]

HOORAY! I was cautious about posting above that I trim the inside of that bulb because I didn't know if it was the correct thing to do. THANK YOU for posting the reference to the pack goat forum.