A Few Basic Questions

[bindi]

Hi everyone,

I have a few things with Lil that I want to solve. I thought that I would get some great wisdom from you all here in exracers world.

1. Crusty ankles. I know this has a name.... just cant think of it. This is around her hocks and is painful if I pick at it... or irritating. I know a few years ago i bathed it... and put something on it - it hasn't been bad for that long but is back quite badly at the moment. I am going to bathe with iodine..... any ideas for bathing and what ointment to put on it?

2. Not horse related... well kinda. What is the best thing to strengthen human ankles. I have just started riding again and my ankles have just lost it! One esp. is bad... it suffers from puffiness from an old injury. It has been suggested that I stand up on tippy toes behind the counter... then back down again. Up and down... up and down. Any other gems?

3. Cracked hooves - seedy toe. Do you all prefer the copper mixtures or a bleach one? I had a bottle of copper..... spilt it everywhere.... tried putting it into a spray bottle and it escaped that somehow and went thru the tackroom. Do any of you have tried and tested methods?


Thanks so much...

[Goalie]

Hi Bindi,

crusty ankles I think a product called muck-itch would take care of that.

as for your ankles I don't have a clue as this is one of my problem areas also. so I hope someone else will respond.

I'm not sure either what the answer is for her hooves. I never hear of the copper or bleach treatment. sorry, not much help am I?

[TeachU2Ride]

If the hock area is crusty and sore, she may be scalding herself with urine. A gentle washing with warm water and mild soap will remove the scabs, then a thin coating of Desitin (diaper rash ointment) will help protect the area. If the problem is lower down the leg on the back of the pasterns, she may have a "scratches" problem - combination bacterial/fungal infection. It's important to keep the area clean and dry, and to use a protective coating (again, I like Desitin) to keep the skin moist but not greasy until the area heals and is no longer prone to cracking.

Calf raises (as you describe) are great for ankle strength. Do 20 with your feet spread apart to shoulder-width, then 20 with your toes out like a ballerina, then 20 with your toes turned in. Take your time raising up AND lowering back down, and don't let your heel get all the way to the ground in between raises. It's a killer, but very effective! Standing on a Bosu ball is also great for weak ankles, but you'll want a couple months of 3x/week calf raises under your belt before you try it so you don't roll your ankle and sprain it.

Fixing a hoof problem like seedy toe is dependent on finding out what kind of bacteria you're dealing with. If you've got White Line Disease, which is caused by an anaerobic bacteria, the hoof wall will need to be removed in the area of damage so air can get to the the site. Then CleanTrax is also useful. If you've got a simple case of thrush, there are over-the-counter remedies, but if you've got Canker, the treatment also involves removing dead and dying tissue. Your vet should be able to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Good farrier work is also critical.

[bindi]

Thanks for those replies. I actually typed a reply a week or so ago and lost it somehow by mistake - ugh I hate it when that happens.

I am working on the calf raises... behind the counter at work... up and down. Have written down your mixture to tape to the counter, just haven't done that yet. May christmas be over real soon!

I have been spraying some copper onto Lily's hooves... I am not too sure if it is helping but she is sound so far. I am going to get some hoof oil tomorrow as it is very hot and dry here at the moment... hopefully that should help too.

As far as the crusty bits go, I have been told not to pick them as that is very very ouchy. So am trying putting on heaps of vaseline and then rubbing off what is ready to be rubbed off. I then have a special ointment to use.

Thanks so much for the advice... I have so much to learn.

[niaru]

I've used Muck-itch on leg "crud" , it works great. Just apply, rub it in gently, leave it on 24h, then rinse and repeat as necessary. It only took one, maybe 2 applications to take care of Charm's cannon crud. You can get it online, it's about $17 a big bottle I think. Just google it.

I can't help with the rest! What about just walking, walking, walking on various terrain to strengthen your ankles...