FOUNDER TREATMENT

(1.) Chapman: Features the support of the PIII via carefully applied frog pressure. Supporting the PIII in this way prevents further sinking of the bone and restores the circulation of blood which was compromised by the founder. This is often accomplished with a heart-bar shoe. Popularized by Burney Chapman, CJF. (2.) Classic or traditional: Features lowering the heels in foundered hooves and dressing back the toes as far as reasonably possible. Lowering the heels aids the horse in his natural reaction, which is to shift weight bearing away from the damaged toes and onto the heels. It also causes the frog to bear weight, which provides some mechanical support for the PIII. Dressing back the toe eases breakover and reduces the peeling stress which could damage surviving laminae. (3.) Redden: Features raising the heels of foundered hooves to reduce the tension of the DDF on the PIII. The pull of the DDF is considered to be a major cause of the downward rotation of the PIII. Popularized by R.F. Redden DVM.