The Effects of Hoof Trimming on Radiographic Measurements of Hoof Balance in Front Feet of Normal Dareh-Shori Horses

Objective- This study aimed at investigating the effects of hoof trimming on radiographic measurements of hoof balance in front hooves of Dareh-Shori horse. Design- Experimental study Animals- 10 apparently healthy Dareh-Shori horses Procedure- After cleaning and washing the horses’ hooves, hand-made block placed under the following limb. Lateromedial radiograph were made to get the desired measurements before and after trimming Results- The following values have been acquired before and after trimming respectively: Dorsal Wall Length (8.83±1.19, 8.53±1.04 cm), Sole Length (13.69±0.94, 13.01±0.82 cm), P3 to Toe Length (1.37±0.62, 1.17±0.40 cm), Sole Thickness (1.15±0.45, 0.86±0.33 cm), Distal Interphalangeal Joint Height (4.06±0.44, 3.88±0.37 cm), Hoof axis (S) angle (50.05±2.21, 51.40±2.13), Third phalanx axis (T) angle (48.65±2.20, 50.60±1.72), P2 axis (U) angle (45.65±3.46, 47.90±3), H (T̵ S) angle (-2±1.52, -1.65±1.75), R (T̵ U) angle (3.30±2.95, 3.40±2.66). Conclusion and clinical relevance- The results obtained in this study can be applied as a template in recognition and treatment of hoof capsule distortion. It can be put into practice before these distortions create pathologies that result in lameness, or before hoof distortion negatively affects performance.