beet pulp in relation to white line

Question
QUESTION: will feeding beet pulp cause white line or make it worse i feed only bermuda grass hay and beet pulp at night and my horse has white line i feed beet pulp because my vet said it would prevent colic. this is the second time he has had white line its in the front toe and the hoof wall has been cut away the vet recomended pads wich he will get to marrow but he told me to only shoe him evry 12 weeks that seams to long i usalley shoes every 8 weeks i barrel race him and worry that he will get injured if i let him get long

ANSWER: HELLO LAURA...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

I've been out-of-state working, apologize for being late getting with you !!

White line is NOT caused by beet pulp!!
Also know as Onychomycosis ( a fungal infection people with HIV are sensitive too)it is
opportunistic. I have found it in every southern state, up the eastern coast as far as Maryland
and to California. It is " believed' to be found in "some soils" BUT seems to be transferred
from not only horses hooves but many times from farriers tools after trimming ??
Not known for sure ??!!

YOU are RIGHT...VET is wrong !! SORRY Doctors. Even 8wks is a "stretch" in warm weather!!
Alot of equine athletes need 5-6 week schedules to keep them sharp on moving at best.
12 wks is TOO LONG and only problems will arise.

Removing the afflicted area, using any product with copper sulfate or methiolate works GREAT
in stopping and controlling it!! Pads are NOT necessary. Excess water,moisture and areas with
high humidity help wall-line disease flourish.

DO NOT use bleach...it will cause it to spread !!
Shoeing him will get him off the ground and protect the area. You can also use "Koppertox" a
green stain formula for thrush, will help between shoeings. If you clean with a brush, do not use that brush on another horse and doctor daily.

Again sorry for the delay...Best to You !!

Joepaul  Meyers,C.J.F


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i have already put the pad on that foot and it worries me that it will make him worse but i dont know if it is a good idea to remove the shoe agian just to take it off sence the hoof wall is already damaged my shoer thinks that there is something else wrong in addition to the white line due to the fact that he is limping the pad did help when riding him on flat trail he dosent seam to be as tinder but i notice that when i turn him to the right he favors the right foot more his mom had nivucular and i wonder if he could also i just worry about coffin bone rotaion if he has some i was told by the same vet that it was ok to barrel race him but iam not to sure about that and i dont want to hurt him  thank you i appreciate your help

Answer
HEY LAURA...

I would NOT barrel race him or ride him period, until you know what is EXACTLY wrong
and have "peace of mind"!!

I wouldn't want you in a "wreck" with your Vet personally or professionally, BUT IF you are
not comfortable, you should try another equine vet and get a "lateral & 65 degree AP" of
that hoof. I'm the FIRST to promote Veterinary Medicine and always say "Let's see what the
Vet has to say"...but like farriers...they specialize and have their strong points !!

IF you radiograph, the shoe will have to be removed and you COULD use a Medi-boot or "Easy
boot" for a few weeks & then reset when you know the results.

I am "wise in lameness and orthopedics" BUT I'm NOT LOOKING at your horse were I could have
"hands on". Pads are "ban-aids" for a quick fix. I would treat the problem and not pad. IF
HE NEEDS pads, then he has a problem that has to be treated and NOT covered.
A Top Vet told me : "It's like putting a pillow under their Butt" !! Very True.

X-rays will tell you what you need to know so you can make a decision and NOT FORCED
BY STRICTLY OPINION...

Start with that & if I can help anywhere else, let me know.

Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.