title: Effects of aluminum hinged shoes on the structure of contracted feet in Thoroughbred yearlings.
abstract: We applied aluminum hinged shoes (AHSs) to the club foot-associated contracted feet of 11 Thoroughbred yearlings to examine the effects of the shoes on the shape of the hoof and third phalanx (P III). After 3 months of AHS use, the size of the affected hooves increased significantly, reaching the approximate size of the healthy contralateral hooves with respect to the maximum lateral width of the foot, the mean ratio of the bearing border width to the coronary band width, and the mean ratio of the solar surface width to the articular surface width. These results suggest that the AHSs corrected the contracted feet in these yearling horses.
authors.affiliation: Center for Equine Breeding Technology, Japan Bloodhorse Breeder's Association, Shizunai Stallion Station, Hokkaido 056-0144, Japan.
authors.forename: Kousuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.affiliation: Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan.
authors.forename: Atsushi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hiraga
authors.affiliation: Sport Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 320-0856, Japan.
authors.forename: Toshiyuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.affiliation: Clinical Science & Pathobiology Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 320-0856, Japan.
authors.forename: Atsutoshi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kuwano
authors.affiliation: Podiatry Center, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY 40580, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Scott Edward
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Morrison
keywords: club foot; contracted foot; foal; hinged shoe