The dreaded shoeing prescription thumbtacked to the boarder barn bulletin board

Veterinarian/farrier/owner communication can be difficult in a given lameness case. A small group of veterinarians and farriers discussed the factors complicating this communication. Specific definition of roles; professional respect; differences in required education; distance and driving to horse, fees, and licensure requirements were cited as the primary complicating factors. In conclusion, the group suggested the ideal communication for a specific lameness case was for the veterinarian, farrier, and owner to be present when shoeing was being planned. A telephone call would be second in preference and a written case summary was the third choice. There are suggestions on how to formulate the written summary.