Hot feet

Question
Hi JoePaul, A friends horse had all of his shoes taken off a few months ago and other than the expected few weeks of settling / sensitivities he has been fine.  She had someone come and do a thermal image of his back as he is a bit funny behind and decided to do his whole body.

All four of his hooves show an enormous amount of heat.  White hot.  Unfortunately due to the holidays we need to wait for a vet til next week but do you have any ideas what it could be?  I have read up a little bit on Founder!  But decided to stop and ask rather than self diagnose.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Ingrid

Answer
HELLO INGRID...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

WHITE HOT !! That is serious. I have used a "thermograph" for years now and never have had that much heat/sensitivity !!

U not being in the U.S.A. most of the climate here is mild at this time. "Occasionally" because of temps in the high 80's/90's, I have witnessed a rise in hoof temps.

Has diet changed at all?? Any other conditions that are NOT normal for this horse??
ANYTHING THAT IS NOT NORMAL as a routine or any stress/diet change will cause the temp to rise.

Founder is the after "effect" of laminitis/inflammation of the laminae. It is a nautical term
"to sink". Rotation or sinking of the distal phalanx/coffin bone is an after effect of the trauma
that is caused in the hoof capsule. A rise in the horse's temperature (say above 99/100*) will cause pain and a destruction of cells in the laminae, inside the hoof capsule. It is always
laminitis first.

I could write pages on the subject, but You are doing the right thing. Get the veterinarian
involved as soon as possible. Radiographs "should" be taken to be exact in the diagnosis.
A word to the wise...DON'T do any pain management! Leave that to the Vet. Banamine or Bute
will make it more difficult to examine the horse properly. Also...it would give the horse
a sence to walk and move more and could do more damage??

Best to You and let me know if I can suggest anything else that might help.
Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.