Wet Feet Woes

By Gabriel Denison

The extended rain this spring in Central Oregon has left many horse owners stuck in the muck, with no visible means of extraction. Paddocks are flooded; fields are soft, stalls wetter than usual. These environmental surprises can have disastrous results if one is not prepared to manage the challenge of wet feet.

Hooves are naturally porous, and when they become sodden, they are more prone to disease through bacteria and fungi. The sole of the hoof is the most permeable and affected by bacteria. Although water is nature's hoof moisturizer, moderation is the key to maintain healthy hooves.

Steven O'Grady, a veterinarian and owner of the Northern Virginia Equine practice in Marshall Va., gives an example of the results of equine hoof moisture in the wild ponies of Chincoteague Island off of the Virginia coast.

“The wild ponies live in a terrible swamp environment and have virtually flat feet,” he says. The area has no counterpressure (created from firm ground to stand on) and they are always taking up excessive moisture with their feet. They are so saturated with water they have little structural integrity.”

Of course, in Central Oregon, excess water is rarely concern, but with our increasing rain, prevention can be the soundest cure. As the hoof wall is made of proteins, the outer hoof wall can absorb moisture over time and literally stretch the hoof.

An important watch point in wet weather is the bedding. The best bedding in excessive conditions is a wood product, such as chips or shavings, because of their absorbent drying properties.

“If a horse has a wet hoof, I just rub sawdust over it for a minute or two and it will dry,” says Taylor Raddison, a new Central Oregon transplanted from the wet Willamette Valley. “Using wood shavings can be a good counteraction to a wet paddock or wet working conditions, as well.”

Dr. Karen Laidley, DVM and equine specialist at Broken Top Veterinary Clinic in Sisters, Oregon recommends Barn Dry, a pelleted wood product that can be purchased in 40-50 lb bags, and mixed with shavings. As moisture enters the pellet, either from a sprinkling of water or absorption from the horse's hooves, it expands, creating an instant, fluffy bedding.

Many owners can unwittingly complicate the wet hoof issue by continuing to apply hoof dressings and oils to moist hooves. This can create a sludge effect on the hoof and trap bacteria in the hoof wall, or around the sole of the foot.

Moisture can encourage thrush, abscesses, and yeast infections, but treatment is as easy as a trip to the feed store. Betadine scrub solution, available at most feed stores, is a mixture of iodine and surgical soap, and has a cleansing, drying effect on hooves. A simple spray of Tea Tree Oil will also kill fungi and bacteria that can build up on the soles of the feet. It is especially effective on thrush, and non-toxic. Abscesses can be trickier, hard to spot, and may need a veterinarian's care, so if a mystery lameness appears, be sure and contact your vet. When riding after heavy rains, it is important to remember your horse's hooves will be softer than usual, and susceptible to stone bruises, so pick your footing carefully on the trails, with your horse's comfort in mind.

The most important factor in battling the weather and your horse's hooves, emphasizes Dr. Laidley, is creating a space for him to escape the moisture in an elevated area. Best case scenario is a drain field of three quarter minus rock or pea gravel installed under your horse shelter, with rubber stall mats laid on top of the gravel. This will allow your horse to escape the muck for extended periods of time, giving his feet a chance to dry out without direct attention.

A few precautions can make all the difference in wet foot weather, with the promise of summer riding ahead.