Podiatry and Growing Foal Problems

In order to better understand hoof balance and foot problems, Nick graduated from the Canadian National School of Horseshoeing before becoming a veterinarian.

Podiatry now constitutes a significant part of the practice. The practice works closely with many farriers and has a close working relationship with Nick's son Nick junior. Nicholas graduated in 2003 and apprenticed locally with Nick Spencer for several years. He now has his own farrier business and regularly helps his dad with farrier issues.

Nick "Junior" applying glue on shoe.

Solutions are not always easy and may require a team effort between owner, farrier and veterinarian. Frequent re-evaluations have resulted in a greater number of success stories when dealing with conditions previously thought untreatable.

Long toe before trimming	After trimming and balancing	Club foot before trimming and surgery	Club foot after surgery and podiatry

Preventing foot soreness - a question of balance

Many horses come to the clinic for diagnostic foot radiographs. Digital radiographs allow the owner to take home a copy of the x-rays. Comments and annotations allows the farrier to determine the true center of the horse's foot and shoe accordingly. This approach is therapeutic and prevents further lameness in many cases.

The father/son team regularly deals with many foot issues that plague horses. They regularly attend foot related courses together.

Glue on shoes for a foal with severe angular limb deformity

Dr. Kleider placed screws and wires across the growth plates of the knees and fetlocks and with the aid of shoeing the foal was able to correct

The same foal after surgical correction. Glue on extension shoes are still in place.