Researchers studied the specific lamellar pathology associated with laminitis caused by equine Cushing’s disease, also called pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Hooves of 26 horses and ponies were collected following euthanasia or processing for slaughter and divided into those with signs of PPID and laminitis, those with PPID and no clinical signs of laminitis and controls with no clinical signs of PPID or laminitis. Hoof tissues were examined microscopically and circulating insulin, cortisol and glucose were measured.

Researchers Study Hoof Management in New Zealand Sport Horses One-third of New Zealand sport horse owners had a farrier perform therapeutic work during the previous year, according to a Massey University-based study that was published in the November 2016 issue of the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

The structures of the equine foot have the unique ability to adapt, change shape and restore. There are multiple benefits in shod vs. barefoot or in allowing the horse to be without shoes for a given time period to improve the palmar section of the foot.

Acupuncture Does Not Modulate Palmar Heel Pain Many owners of horses with palmar heel pain explore a number of ways to relieve the discomfort, including acupuncture. Research from the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine and published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal finds that acupuncture appears to relieve the pain in some, but not all horses.