The Effect of Horse Shoeing with Egg Bar Shoes and Shoes with Wedge Pads on the Results of Thermal Imaging of the Equine Distal Limb

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Thermography is a non-invasive and contact-free imaging method that measures temperature on the surface of the body and determines temperature distribution across the examined surface. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of horse shoeing with egg bar shoes and shoes with wedge pads on hoof temperature measured by thermography. The authors decided to use egg bar shoes and shoes with wedge pads as they are commonly used in the treatment of navicular syndrome in horses. This study was conducted on 16 client-owned warmblood horses. The horses were directed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to unilateral front limb lameness, specifically associated with the hoof. For thermographic analysis, we took into consideration only one limb that was not lame and that showed no radiological changes. After the application of egg bar shoes, the temperature decreased on the palmar surface of the hoof. After shoeing with wedge pads, the temperature decreased in the dorsal and palmar views. Thermography, despite its great usefulness, is only an indirect method of assessing the blood supply in a given area, so we cannot uncritically conclude about the harmfulness of shoeing. ABSTRACT: The presented manuscript provides reference for practitioners when measuring normal hoof temperature, as well as controlling the temperature after shoeing with particular shoes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of horse shoeing with egg bar shoes and shoes with wedge pads on hoof temperature measured by thermography. This was a prospective study conducted on 16 horses. The horses were divided into two groups: horses from group 1 were shod with egg bar shoes, while horses from group 2 were shod with shoes with wedge pads. Thermographic examination was performed below the metacarpophalangeal joint before and one month after shoeing. After shoeing with egg bar shoes, there was a decrease in the median of the minimal temperature in the palmar view. After shoeing with wedge pads, thermography revealed decreased hoof temperature in the dorsal and palmar views. Horse shoes may have a negative impact on the blood circulation and metabolism within the distal part of the limb; however, our study found this only to a minor extent.