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.
Authors: Mieszkowska Marta, Adamiak Zbigniew, Holak Piotr, Głodek Joanna, Jastrzębska Ewa, Wolińska Katarzyna, Mieszkowski Marcin
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Thermal imaging offers practitioners an objective method for monitoring circulatory changes in the equine distal limb following farriery interventions, yet baseline reference values remain limited in the published literature. Mieszkowska and colleagues conducted a prospective thermographic study on 16 horses, comparing temperature patterns below the metacarpophalangeal joint before and one month after shoeing with either egg bar shoes (n=8) or wedge pad shoes (n=8), using standardised imaging protocol in both dorsal and palmar views. Egg bar shoes produced a modest decrease in minimum palmar hoof temperatures, whilst wedge pad shoes generated more consistent temperature reductions across both dorsal and palmar aspects of the hoof capsule, suggesting differential effects on localised blood flow depending on shoe type and geometry. Although the findings indicate that both shoeing configurations can influence thermographic readings—potentially reflecting minor alterations to vascular perfusion or metabolic activity in the distal limb—the magnitude of these changes was clinically modest, implying that properly fitted therapeutic shoes are unlikely to cause significant circulatory compromise. These results provide useful reference data for practitioners using thermal imaging as a diagnostic or monitoring tool, particularly when evaluating whether therapeutic shoeing modifications warrant further investigation or clinical concern.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Establish baseline thermal images before shoeing to monitor the effects of different shoe modifications on hoof circulation
- •Both egg bar and wedge pad shoes may reduce hoof temperature; monitor horses for any clinical signs despite minor measured changes
- •Use thermography as a non-invasive tool to objectively assess how different shoeing strategies affect distal limb blood flow and metabolism
Key Findings
- •Egg bar shoes resulted in decreased median minimal temperature in palmar view of the hoof
- •Wedge pad shoes caused decreased hoof temperature in both dorsal and palmar views
- •Both shoe types showed minor negative impacts on blood circulation and metabolism in the distal limb
- •Thermography provides a measurable reference for monitoring hoof temperature changes post-shoeing