Pour-in pad provides durable support and protection against thrush in wet conditions • Photo courtesy of VettecAs temperatures in parts of the country dip below freezing horses become susceptible to snowballing and thrush in their hooves. Tab Pigg, Vettec’s Farrier-at-Large, recommends that farriers and horse owners apply snowball pads or pour-in pad material to horse’s hooves during the cold season to prevent snow becoming impacted in the hoof cavity. Vettec Equi-Pak CS can serve as a snowball pad, and its special formula can reduce the likelihood of thrush, which often surfaces during wet seasons.
Vettec Equi-Pak CS is a fast-setting, soft, instant pad material. It is infused with copper sulfate to effectively prevent and manage mild and moderate cases of thrush. With proper application, Equi-Pak CS bonds to the bottom of a horse’s foot, eliminating the possibility of snow and bacteria being trapped in the frog.
“If a horse’s hoof cavity isn’t protected or filled during the snowy season, there is a risk the horse could become sore and lame,” Pigg said. “When a horse’s hooves are packed with snow for more than 24 hours, the horse will begin to distribute its weight unevenly because of the discomfort, and the risk of the horse developing thrush increases. Applying Equi-Pak CS helps to provide comfort and protection against snowballing, as well as thrush.”
During the winter, horses see farriers or veterinarians less often because hooves don’t grow as fast during the colder seasons. During this time period, Pigg recommends the following for horse owners:
- Have a farrier apply Equi-Pak CS or snowball pads at the beginning of the season
- Evaluate how long the hooves are getting to determine if trimming is necessary
- Ensure that the feet are still on top of the shoes and that they are fitting properly
- Check the hoof cavity for signs of thrush, which include a strong odor, lameness and dark coloring of the tissue
Visit www.Vettec.com for videos about how to apply Equi-Pak CS.
Equi-Pak CS is available for purchase at select dealer locations for the M.S.R.P. of $32.05.
