The construction of the heart bar shoe and the technique of dorsal wall resection.

Summary

# Editorial Summary Eustace and Caldwell's 1989 paper establishes practical guidance for two complementary techniques in managing chronic laminitis and palmar foot pain: heart bar shoe construction and dorsal wall resection. The authors detail the biomechanical rationale—redirecting load-bearing forces from the damaged laminar interface to the frog and palmar structures—alongside precise fabrication methods and fitting protocols, supported by radiographic documentation to assess therapeutic outcomes. Key findings emerged from clinical cases demonstrating that combined application of these techniques could relieve pain and promote healing in horses with severe, recurrent foot pathology that had failed conservative management. For contemporary practitioners, this work remains foundational to understanding pressure-relief shoeing: the heart bar shoe's effectiveness depends critically on correct construction (particularly bar placement and sole contact) and proper preparation through wall resection to ensure load transfer actually occurs. Whether applied individually or together, these interventions require accurate radiographic assessment before and during treatment to confirm anatomical changes and adjust the farrier's approach accordingly—making collaboration between farrier, veterinarian, and radiographer essential for clinical success.

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Key Findings

• •Heart bar shoe construction and fitting technique is described with specific fabrication methodology
• •Dorsal hoof wall resection technique is presented as a complementary treatment approach
• •Radiographic imaging is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment planning
• •Clinical cases demonstrate application of heart bar shoes and wall resection in equine practice

Conditions Studied