During the past 10 years an increasing number of coffin bone fractures have been diagnosed in young foals. Whether this apparent increase is due to the use of better digital x-ray technology or because of breeding practices is unclear. It may be that these fractures have always occurred and were previously ascribed to an abscess or random lameness.
These coffin bone fractures, however, appear to be closely linked to:
- the age of the foal,
- a “correction” created with medial / lateral extensions or,
- out of balance trimming.
All of these may be aggravated by the terrain conditions where the foals live.
“Fracture Shoes” to address this issue have frequently been made by modifying an aluminum M/L extension to generate a symmetrical shape with a wide web. This aluminum shoe configuration permits an easy fit and, after application with adhesive to “lock up” the foot, most foals with a coffin bone fracture problem will walk off sound. Using the “Fracture Shoe” frequently also means that management does not have to keep the foal confined to allow healing.
Sound Horse “Fracture Shoes” are sized to fit foals in the age group that appears to be most likely to have coffin bone fractures occur. These are now stocked in sizes #2 & #3 (same nominal dimensions as M/L). The pricing will be the same as the aluminum M/L extensions.
