The Exceller Fund received a call that a gelding at Los Alamitos in
Southern California that needed a place to go. The gelding had one hoof
that had been diagnosed having laminitis. The farrier for his foster in
Hesperia discovered that the hoof had an untreated case of white line
disease. The farrier removed the damaged section and protect it with an
acrylic shield while a new healthy hoof section grew.
UPDATE: May 2008. The trainer working with "Adam" felt
something was not right in his gait and had x-rays taken. The x-rays
showed that the hoof has some laminitis as well as pedal osteitis which
affects the coffin bone.
The vet and farrier feel that with proper maintenance of the hoof,
Adam can be comfortable. He may be okay for light riding at a walk.
Adam has such a neat personality. He is a complete love sponge and will
stand very patiently while you fuss over him. He loves attention and
likes to make goofy faces for the camera.
Currently he is sound at the walk and does not appear to be in pain. He
is very calm and very loving, so we are looking to see if someone, or a
group of people, are willing to sponsor his care or if he might be
suitable for a therapuetic riding program. He may also be a good horse
for a beginner who would like to learn how to groom a horse, put tack
on a horse, and learn basic riding at the walk.