Raffi came to Daisy Haven Farm as an 16-year-old Arabian mare in February 2007. She was overweight and been diagnosed with laminitis due to Insulin Resistance. She was acutely painful with significant rotation. Her coffin bones was threatening to penetrate her soles.
DDT/E and TEAM: Initial Consultation
Diet: Tested low-sugar hay was fed at a rate of 1.5% of current body weight in a slow feed hay net to facilitate hay available 24/7 yet supporting safe weight loss by limiting quantity. Mineral/vitamin supplementation per Dr. Kellon’s nutritional protocol was provided without adding extra calories. White salt block was provided.
Diagnosis: Veterinarian drew new blood work to determine risk status for Insulin Resistance and Cushings Syndrome. Raffi’s insulin was very high, but ACTH was negative.
Trim: Trim was applied to realign the hoof capsule and internal structures using Soft Ride Boots. Her feet were soaked in Clean Trax and wrapped in diapers inside the boots until risk of sole penetration and infection was minimal. Then glue/composite shoes were applied.
Exercise: Turnout in dry lot paddock with continual access to deeply bedded stall, no forced movement.
TEAM: As part of the new veterinarian/farrier team we were hoping new ideas and fresh eyes would make a positive change for this horse.
Raffi lost about 10 lbs/week on the low-sugar diet. The heat and digital pulse in her feet diminished and then went away completley. She was able to come off all anti-inflammatories. At that time we applied glue-on composite shoes to continue her hoof rehabilitation.
The following year, Raffi went back to being ridden and started competing in dressage. She stayed in glue-on composite shoes to facilitate her hoof soundness.
Using DDT/E + Team we were able to keep Raffi sound and happy for six years until in 2013 she sadly passed away from cancer.
