[estrogen]

Having my first horse only a year, I need some help from more knowledgable people here. Last night I went out to the stable to ride my horse and he was lame. His hooves are warm and his front right foot is sore. I had his shoes removed on Monday. I'm not sure why,I thought it would be better for him

I called the vet and she came out today and said it was probably the farrier removing the shoes.She said to watch him for a few days , walk him and put iodine on the hoof on bottom of foot and if he's not better in a few days to have him shod again. Is this the sort of thing that as I become more experienced I'll figure out on my own and not bother the vet or did I do the right thing?

[HairOfTheDog]

You did the right thing to call the vet when you don't know. Foot lamenesses with heat like that can be laminitis which is quite serious and can be permanently damaging.

In your case, he sounds bruised if the vet found no laminitis or abcesses. Most horses that have been shod don't do well barefoot, is there a reason you are trying to go without?

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Do you have alot of rock or rough ground where the horses are?

Becky

[HairOfTheDog]

Pinging to estrogen's lameness question at 989.

[Beaker]

You did the right thing. Heat in the hooves could be a sign of something much bigger such as founder or laminitis.

[Duchess47]

You did right calling the vet. Heat in a foot can be very serious, up to and including lamintitis (founder). If you still have heat in the foot, hose his legs/feet down.

Why did you have his shoes pulled? Wait, I'll continue reading, I think someone asked you that.