Equine Foot Studies

by Chris Pollitt, BVSc, PhD
School of Veterinary Science
University of Queensland
Queensland, Australia
Video, 23 minutes in length, $55.00
Reviewed by Emil Carré
This review was published in the November, 1996 issue of ANVIL Magazine

Great! This tape is short and to the point. It should be required viewing for anyone who plans a career in the equine industry. Dr. Pollitt takes us from the racetrack at a gallop to the laboratory and the Instron hydraulic press. Using an equine limb from the knee down and what appears to be heparinized fluid in the limb, we are able to see the complete circulatory system. As the press puts the limb through the compete range of motion, an angiogram traces the blood flow through the arteries and veins. Several sections are made through the hoof itself to illustrate how the digits come into play as well.

Dr. Pollitt is very effective in his illustration of what happens to the blood supply in the coffin bone and surrounding structures when a horse is subjected to sole pressure, induced by improper trimming and shoe installation. And, for those of you who are still wondering if the heels expand or contract under load, watch this tape. In 23 minutes, years of doubt and misunderstanding are cleared up for even the most astute horse person.

We are also invited into the hoof capsule itself for an up-close look at the effects that loading and unloading have on the foot. The one thing you have to keep in mind, though, when viewing this tape is that the feet we are seeing are well trimmed and balanced. Someone has taken the time to remove the flares and prepare these feet to a high standard. That may be a point in itself.

This tape is a must. I have to give it a full four shoes. UUUU

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