Hoof Rot

Question
Hello, I have a ten year old Paint gelding who has foot rot. His hooves hadn't been trimmed since August of last yr and his shoes were put on at that time as well. Just this last weekend I got my horse away from the place where he wasn't being taken care of and I had my friend take his shoes off and trim his feet. His hooves are a pale yellow color and when you clean his hooves out with a pick, the hoof can easily be poked through the other side because it is so unhealthy. I believe that my horse has foot rot but I am not sure what to do. Would a hoof conditioner work or kopertox?
Please let me know so I can help my horse out.
Thank you!

Answer
HELLO VALERIE...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

First off...I would use 7% iodine (you can purchase from your veterinarian). Clean the sole and frogs with your pick and a wire brush. Naturally, don't poke too deep with your
hoof pick (commissures/sides & middle of the frog/sulci).
I would drip some all over the frogs and lightly on the soles for 3/4days in a row. Then I would go to the Kopertox,
because it is drying but NOT as caustic. No bacteria can live or survive in strong iodine.

Second...I would put this horse on a good hoof supplement.
Hoof Rite, Horseshoers Secret are two that I have great success with. Feed just a "maintenance" dose daily for the next 3 months for sure. Amino acids are the "key' to good nutrition. It will help build a hoof internally as well as
externally with great results. Because it's Winter time...
moisture is probably not a problem. The need for a hoof conditioner at the present may not be needed till Spring.

Last...I would keep this horse trimmed every 6 weeks by a competent farrier so problems can be "headed-off" before they start...and make your life run "smooth" :)

Hope I've helped and eased your mind...
Best to you!!
Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.