Friday, June 20, 2014

Something that is working...

It's been quite a while since I had a Ramsey update.  No news is good news.  The camera angle was off for this recent photo making it look like the outer wall is much longer than the inner, which is not accurate.  However, it does show that the walls are now straight instead of curving to the side.

The outer wall on the left where the missing coffin bone is, still shows poor connection and a widening of the white line, but it always will.  I think this is as close to "normal" as this foot will ever be.

From this angle, you can see that it is a pretty nice looking foot now.  More importantly, it is a generally sound foot.  That's what matters.  For quite some time, I trimmed it just a very small amount each week.  As the distortions have grown out, I have slowly been able to extend that time frame.  I am now trimming it a small amount every 3 weeks.  It seems to be working well for him.

Ramsey does, occasionally, have some soreness, but it is in the arthritic fetlock joint not the hoof.  I am certainly frustrated by that, but we are managing it well.  I have been giving Ramsey (and Tanner) turmeric each day.  It has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory with no negative side effects if given at the proper dose.  I was skeptical at first, but both Tanner and Ramsey have been on it since last Fall with excellent results.

Tanner has had joint issues all of his life and has suffered with periodic episodes of extreme lameness.  He does not tolerate pain medicines well or visits to the vet.  He has not had a single bad episode since starting the turmeric last year (even with the extremely cold winter, which would normally cause him trouble) and no negative effects whatsoever.  I'm convinced.  And I'm happy with this pretty little donkey foot as well.

10 comments:

  1. I never get tired of seeing Ramsey's foot. :) So, turmeric? What about people? Does it work for people?

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  2. You should be happy and proud. I suppose if you were a farrier, you'd need to travel away from the farm to work during the day - not a good thing…still, you're gifted at this work.

    Tell me more about Tumeric. Think it works for people?

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  3. Ramsey's foot looks great. I've never heard of Turmeric for arthritis. I should look into that for our ol' dog Sam. Do you have a good reference on proper doses? I am interested in alternative treatments, but hesitate. I never seem to be able to find enough solid information.

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  4. Thanks for the heads up on the tumeric. I haven't tried it yet, but have heard good reports.

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  5. You have done an amazing job with that foot! Looks great from all angles. What is the correct dosage for turmeric and do you get it in a powdered form?

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  6. We are happy to hear the good news about Ramsey :-)

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  7. That hoof is amazing! If I were sick or hurt I'd want you on my team! Can you give the dose for turmeric or the link to the info?

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  8. I too would like more info on turmeric and dosages...please feel free to email me awfirestone@gmail.com Thanks in advance! Thanks too for this great site...It makes me happy to read about all you do with your donks!

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  9. It IS a pretty little foot! Well done, Kris!

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