AN UNUSUAL CASE OF OVERGROWTH OF THE HOOVES IN A PONY

Excessive overgrowth of all hooves was found in a pony confined to its box and a small pasture for apparently 10 years. All hooves were extr emely long and curved in a corkscrew manner. The length of both front hooves exceeded the height of the pony. Laminitis had initially been p resent and insufficiently treated. Later on, trimming was not attempte d any more for several years as the owner was afraid of damaging the f eet. After trimming, the pony walked in a stringhalt-like manner as it was used to heavy feet for so long. Ten months later, the animal died of colic and its feet were examined again; lengthening and curving ha d reoccurred. Laminitis was found radiographically on both front feet but not in the hind feet; extreme atrophy of the pedal bones of both f ront feet was demonstrated by radiography and catscan-examination.