Dr. Steward's Wooden Shoe

Dr. Mike Steward’s EVA Shoes and Equicast

Treating Laminitis for

Proper Biomechanics and

Hoof Wall Stabilization

 

Many hoof problems (laminitis/founder) stem from hoof wall failure due to stress: acute laminitis, environment, breeding (thin sole and walls) or conformation resulting in hoof wall fatigue and failure. This failure is seen in hoof distortions such as flares, quarter cracks, white line disease, long toe low heel syndrome and clubfeet often left untreated results in laminitis.

 

Conventional methods employ heart bars, shims pads and/or hybrid shoes (with limited success) in an effort to dissipate excessive hoof wall pressure from the bottom of the hoof with limited success. EVA Shoes and casting (Equicast) add unitized stabilization supplementing both vertical integrity and lateral stability to the entire hoof capsule.

 

 

Applying a fiberglass/polypropylene resin impregnated casts around the circumference (hoof wall) and outer perimeter of the EVA shoe add proper biomechanics and unitized stabilization to the entire hoof capsule! This is achieved due to the banding effect created by the wrapping process and the biomechanics built into the EVA shoe. Once integrity has been achieved the enhanced biomechanics should aid in stimulating hoof growth. Because of this unitized stabilization an effective and proper biomechanical trim can be applied. A proper trim with the benefit of unitized stabilization (casting) unloads areas that have excessive pressure. This disperses consistent stimulation to the entire coronary band and will reduce structural deformities caused from uneven coronary band stimulation such as bent or broken bars, hooks and uneven hoof wall thickness.

 

There is an infinite supply of blood to the hoof NOT an infinite volume of blood to the hoof.  Therefore if one area of the hoof is getting too much stimulation (i.e. excessively thick walls) it is taking from another area of the hoof that is not getting enough stimulation (thin walls). Wall deformations - such as thick dorsal wall and heels (excessive stimulation) and thin quarters (under stimulation) – are examples of this condition. EVA shoes and casting affords additional and more normal support for proper biomechanics allowing for a more normal biomechanical and functional foundation. for the equine athlete. Once the hoof is in the center of the boney column proper loading to the entire hoof capsule. The hoof - will accordingly, have a more evenly, normally dispersed stimulation and thus healthy, strong growth without the need of unitized stabilization (casting).