Equicast application by an owner, vet, or farrier is user-friendly and affordable for the treatment of hoof problems (structural wall and sole failure). Casting adds temporary wear protection and support to the whole hoof capsule. Whether equine hoof problems are natural or manmade in origin, casting (Equicast) provides the added support to help grow stronger healthier hoof walls and soles. Our products and wrapping methods have been designed to assist nature in effectively restoring healthy hooves and the proper biomechanics necessary for sustainable and healthy growth. Continued
EVA Shoes
An EVA Shoe's material and designed is to minimize shock and reduce
leveraging (arming effect) at the point of break-over. Our EVA Shoe is
designed based on Dr. Michael Steward's "Steward Clog" proven principle. The primary use for this shoe was originally laminitis, however over the years we have found that the material and design principles of this shoe works really well on other major hoof problems like long-toe-low heel syndrome, coffin
bone fractures, navicular changes and white-line disease, by reducing shock and providing less stress at the point of break over. This combination - ease of break over and shock dampening factors increases the patient's comfort level which increases movement and circulation. Continued
EVA Shoe
EVA - EVA/Wood Shoes
Why the need for either?
An EVA Shoe adds distal length to the entire hoof capsule for proper biomechanics. A lot has been discussed about rolling or rockering the toes of a laminitic hoof. With many dropped sole cases (prolapsed soles) a rocker toe can not be accomplished without adding an EVA because of the possibility of excessive sole pressure. The benefit of our shoe is, it allows for proper and effective biomechanics without adding excessive sole pressure. Read Dr. Michael Steward's DVM article on the Science and Application of an EVA - EVA/Wood Shoes. Continued
EVA with Wood
EVA or EVA/Wood Shoes which one should be used?
An EVA/Wood Shoe is primarily used for
medial/lateral sinkers, radical resections, prolapsed soles, or sheered heels.
In these cases I prefer an EVA/Wood Shoe over a plain EVA Shoe because of the added
stability that the plywood provides. The biggest question in applying this kind of shoe is. What
is your comfort zone? An EVA/Wood
shoe requires securing the shoe to the hoof
with sheet rock screws. This method should only be done by a farrier or vet/farrier! The benefit of this method is once the hoof
is positioned on the shoe, a few screws (one or two screws per side) attaches the shoe to the hoof. The patient can then be walked a bit to check the placement of the shoe and the patient's comfort level, if the patient is comfortable then a cast is wrapped around the circumference of both the hoof and shoe securing the shoe to the hoof. Continued
Equicast 2" x 4 Yards
Can Laminitis Be Successfully Treated With Just Equicast?
Yes, we have had very good luck with Equicast alone. However, understanding the proper loading dynamics of the walls, sole, and frog are essential! Adding a perimeter cast first (raising the sole off the ground) on many of these laminitic hooves is critical. Then adding another cast for sole protection, wall integrity and hoof stability is often required for lateral support and vertical integrity. These methods should not be tried unless a hoof practitioner with casting experience is consulted. Continued
