There are many circumstances in which vets and farriers need to work together for the best outcome for the horse. Disagreements may occur during these discussions of the best course to take. In speaking with Diego Almeida, CJF, of the Midwest Horseshoeing School and University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine about dealing with laminitis (September/October 2017, American Farriers Journal), he finds that it is imperative for the farrier to avoid misunderstandings with the vet by being prepared.

At the 2017 Iowa State University (ISU) Spring Clinic and Competition, veterinarian Dane Tatarniuk and resident farrier Doug Russo discussed the street nail procedure (navicular bursotomy procedure) and the role of farriery for the horse post surgery.

For farriers, poor communication ranks up there as a work place hazard that can do significant damage to a practice. Although there isn’t the physical injury that comes from other dangers, like being kicked by a spooked horse, poor communication can lead to loss of business severe enough to cripple one’s business.