Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

60 million years ago the horse was the size of a small dog, and walked on four toes. Today it can weigh up to 500-1000 kg and has evolved to walking on only one phalanx. The anatomy of the horses’ legs and hooves allow them to run at high speeds, and at the same time enables them to bear the extremely high concussions applied to the foot at high speeds or jumps.

Every horse owner has his or her own opinion on how to manage their horses’ hooves, and whether the horse should be shod or unshod. The knowledge, commitment and attention of the owner determine the quality of the hoof care, but also the time between the arising of symptoms of abnormalities of the hoof until care is sought with a farrier or veterinarian.

New laws will be applied at the beginning of 2015 which bring on changes in authorization for farriers. That means that horses that need advanced hoof care, are sick with a zoonotic disease, or need to be administered sedative drugs or local anaesthetics, can only be treated by an authorized farrier approved by the Swedish board of agriculture (SJV). Following these changes it is likely that more horses with disease or damage to their hooves will be treated in large animal hospitals, perhaps even during extended periods of time. The farrier and the veterinarian are mainly the ones in charge of diagnose and treatment, while the veterinary nurse stands by. A better understanding of the hoof anatomy and physiology, pathology and treating of hoof diseases with the veterinary nurse could result in better care of these patients and their specific needs. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to in short explain the hoof’s anatomy and physiology, and to briefly explain the aetiology, diagnostic and treating methods of laminitis, white line disease and perforating injuries. Based on the information sought in scientific journals and books, suggestions on specific care needs are explained. Examples of specific care needs that are suggested in this study are nutrition, pain assessment, bedding material and management of long-term confinement.

The results of this study and suggestions on further research on the subject have been contemplated in the discussion. One of the conclusions is the fact that this area has not been studied specifically in terms of veterinary nursing. However, research on relating areas such as veterinary medicine and ethology exists, which has helped this study contributing to defining the yet young science, veterinary nursing.