Orange Mocha Frappuccino: Alternate Opinions 1 & 2

I've sought out other opinions regarding the possible problems that Mocha may have. I've encountered so many helpful individuals that I cannot thank enough. I did not pay for most of the services that I am going to discuss in this post, so I will not include any names. I really want to express how grateful that I am though! These individuals have not actually seen Mocha, but they reviewed pictures and the radiographs of her front hooves. I am aware that there is nothing like seeing the horse move and holding the hooves in your hand. I am also wary because the quality of the radiographs is not as good as when my vet was looking at them on her computer screen after development.

Alternate Opinion 1:

The radiographs show slight rotation of both front coffin bones, more on the left, and the photos distinctly show divergent growth rings and divergent toe angles on both front feet, visible about 1/3 of the way down from the coronet bands. Sole thickness is adequate (in fact, ample), and white line disease is present in the left front. All this leads me to conclude that your horse appears to be suffering from chronic laminitis, a very common and easily treated condition. The comment you made about "Mocha" remaining sore for a few weeks after being shod with pour in pads makes sense to me now, as a strictly thin-soled horse should typically have immediate relief. As equine veterinarians we tend to separate white line disease (WLD) from laminitis and treat them as distinct entities. Jaime Jackson feels that WLD is a manifestation of laminitis, and after practicing natural hoof care for 7 years I am in full agreement. I feel that in all cases of WLD there is a laminitis component and by treating the laminitis, the WLD grows out and doesn't return.

Mocha is in good body condition- not too heavy, nor too thin. As for pedal osteitis, that seems to be a catch phrase for a condition we diagnose when nothing else seems to fit. Many veterinarians do not believe it is actually a disease... much controversy, I'm afraid. My experience with bone loss affecting the coffin bones (deterioration) is limited to cases of chronic laminitis, particularly long standing cases, and deep seated long term bone infection (osteomyelitis- does not apply to "Mocha"). I did'nt appreciate a significant amount of bone loss in the x-rays you sent, nor would I be concerned about it. In fact, I did'nt see anything to suggest we're dealing with an incurable condition. My guess is that natural hoof care and a properly fitted pair of hoof boots on the front feet would render her rideable in a short period of time. Again, I shy away from long distance diagnoses, but this seems to be pretty straight forward.

Alternate Opinion 2:

I received a hoof consult and here are the results:

To be honest, the coffin bone doesn't look too bad to me, but I can't give a diagnosis as I am not a vet! Pedal osteitis is given as a common diagnosis but I am not convinced in many cases. Even so, if you remove the cause of the inflammation then you can usually restore health. You are right that it is not likely that she will improve if she stays in shoes. If you can find a good barefoot trimmer and are prepared to give her time to heal in boots and pads then I would recommend that route. It's hard to predict how well she will respond but I really don't think she is a particularly bad case and she has youth on her side. I've seen horses with way worse coffin bone damage go on to be sound so don't give up hope on her too quickly.