Laminitis First Aid Treatment and Foot Function Restoration using Styrofoam

Laminitis First Aid Treatment. Since the early 1990's, Styrofoam Support Block have been one of the safest and most effective treatments for acute hoof pain, often associated with equine Laminitis or Founder. Veterinarians and Farriers around the world have prescribed and used Styrofoam Support Blocks as a preferred tool to initially treat these devastating pathologies and feel that early application of these pads will dramatically decrease the long-term effects of the disease and restore function back to the feet. You can find more product information at www.shopedss.com and detailed instructions at www.edsshoofcare.com.
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[@susanflowers6282]

God Bless you Sir for caring for this horse and making his life easier.

[@wildhorseguy]

I've used this method for years with nearly always successful results. This video is one of the most clear explanations as to how Styrofoam pads can be used I've seen. If you don't have EDSS pads close by, you can trace and trim a piece of Dow Styrofoam (hard board) insulation until you can locate ready made EDSS pads. The priority is getting some foam under both front hooves to distribute weight and relieve pressure on the sensitive laminae. Relief is usually immediate.

[@caballosalud4068]

Gene is number one world wide on laminitis treatment. Please say hello to Gene, I miss him very much. Hope to see him again before I die.

[@mario9133]

Poor thing! So glad he is getting the help he needs. Congratulations to this gentleman that has so much knowledge, and uses it to improve the lives of these beautiful creatures. Congratulations also to the owners, who are willing to invest in the care and rehabilitation of their beloved animals.

[@ellebellav]

Thank you for making this video, my first attempt at putting these pads on was a nightmare (not helped by a horse that didnt want to lift either front foot), and now I'm an old pro! The tab idea really helped.

[@EDSSHoofcare]

Yes, you can use the Styrofoam on all 4 feet (fronts or hinds). We usually try to do at least matching feet, meaning both fronts or both hinds, or all 4 if necessary. Front feet or general more affected than hinds, however many horses do founder or get laminitis on the hinds as well.

[@EDSSHoofcare]

Good input. The purpose of this video however, was only to show a quick and easy first aid that horse owners and other non-hoofcare professionals can do to help get the horse comfortable until they can come up with a more long term care plan. Better trimming protocol and/or various treatment products, along with diet alterations wouild be the next step. Sometimes it more necessary to just get the horse comfortable and reduce the pain before doing too much to the foot. Thanks for the feedback.

[@Pazzazz11]

Where to we get the styrofoam?

[@Pazzazz11]

Wow amazing to see the compressed shape of styrofoam!!

[@kayBTR]

That’s amazing. So simple. You really eased his suffering.

[@Pazzazz11]

Vets & farriers need to educate owners on laminitis prevention!!! Especially in older hirses!!

[@EDSSHoofcare]

It is best at this stage to not trim the feet as the extra hoof wall length helps hold the Styrofoam in place. However, if there is an excessive amount of growth and an extremely long toe, then yes you would want to trim some. You just need to be careful not to overtrim the foot at this stage (or any stage really), but especially here. Sole protection is critical for laminitic feet. The long toe would get addressed once he stabilizes and is not so acute.

[@cathyclark1336]

Thank you for this information. Very helpful. Best I have seen in helping understanding how to wrap foam properly.

[@EDSSHoofcare]

Usually when people talk about the rotation of a bone in the foot, it is in reference to the coffin bone rather than the navicular bone. Coffin bone rotation is basically "founder", which is the primary use for this treatment approach. The navicular bone position can certainly be at different angles, but because it is held in place by ligaments (both from the top and bottom), that position is usually determined by tension on those ligaments or the position of PII (middle pastern bone).

[@kathygilmartin6897]

EDSS Hoofcare the coffin bone does not "rotate" . It stays exactly where it's alway been. It's the wall / outer hoof that rotates and to the untrained eye would make it look like p3 has rotated. This pony needs it's heels left to grow, everything in the back of that hoof is curled down and under the hoof, his heel quarter tubules have run forward up to his toe. Neglect or bad trimming has caused this ponies founder.

[@ponyofamerica]

Talked to Chad today, he was so helpful!

[@EDSSHoofcare]

It works best if they are barefoot, but it is possible to use the Styrofoam with shoes as well. You may just cust the styrofoam to fit inside the perimeter of the shoe though, and as soon as it gets crushed, trim the toe piece out so there is not contact on the sensitive part of the toe beneath the tip of the coffin bone. The second layer can then go over the shoe and cut styrofoam pad if necessary.

[@cathringustafsson2426]

In Sweden We have these inside on a soft Loose bed of tree fleece. When they don't walk it heals quicker. Every horse gets well even showjumping horses.

[@GirlyDeathMarch]

Duck tape fixes everything, even your horse! XD

[@EtheonSnow]

This guy is fffiiiinnnnnnnneeeeeee like Sean Connery. Like an aged wine.

[@EDSSHoofcare]

To continue, you may want to get clarity from your vet if the diagnosis was for Navicular bone rotation or coffin bone rotation. Would probably need more details about a navicular bone rotation condition and its link to specific lameness issues. Hope that helps.

[@Pazzazz11]

Very nice. We ended up getting soft-ride boots with gel as we have a sinker 😢

[@CNCmachiningisfun]

Good video. Thanks kindly. I have a Donkey here who appears to have laminitis. She is an oldie, but such a sweetie. The idea of doing this was steadily growing on me, but now I have seen your video, I really must give this a try.

[@toddknutson2001]

Good video. Where do you get those styrofoam blocks?

[@kathartica]

"he's got a metabolic issue that causes him to become accute" Would that be insulin resistance by any chance? I've been doing a lot of reading about how cutting out the grain and soaking some of the sugar out of hay can really help IR horses with laminitis, so I was wondering if that was the case here. Also, is this meant to be applied as a first response before the horse's feet can be trimmed or have the horse's feet already been trimmed? To me it looks like he's still fairly long in the toe?

[@jackkarolak7858]

Grade job seems like this gentelman cares for the animal...

[@katerulez1]

duck tape helps everything!!!!!

[@MaeIsMyBay]

thank you!!

[@googlenutzer4853]

A suitable hoof treatment + soft hoof shoes would perhaps be more sensible and also more durable

[@thornado3331]

Can this be used for the rotatíon of the navicular bone?

[@anthonyg7534]

Wonderfull careworn systems for loving animals

[@veronikakalmar4479]

that is amazing !

[@tjbarnes6855]

Cool if any of my horses ever get laminitis I will use this

[@rebeccarasmussen4163]

We have been using this on our pony with great success. However, what do you do about the tendency towards thrush? We have very warm weather right now and moisture is collecting inside the duct tape. So her feet are getting more and more of a thrushy smell with each change. Our weather tends to be damp to begin with, so it's a constant battle. But this is definitely making things worse. We're going to try giving her some breaks between switches (been replacing every other day), but any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@EDSSHoofcare]

Rebecca Rasmussen You can try using Elasticon tape instead. It is more breathable material. Another option would be to use something like Artimud in the commissures around the frog. It will be helpful for maintaining a bacteria free condition. Giving the foot a break from the pads so that it can dry out naturally is a good idea if you can keep her on some dry shavings or dry sand to help pull some moisture out of the foot at those times. If you are looking for a more permanent and less maintenance intense option, you might consider going to the Purple Podiatry Pads with impression material and incorporate the Elasticon tape and Artimud, that way you won't have to change it but every 2 weeks or so. Check out the other video on our Channel for the Podiatry pads. Call 719-372-7463 if you need more help over the phone.

[@rebeccarasmussen4163]

EDSS Hoofcare Thank you. Unfortunately we are in Europe, but I will see if I can find a more breathable tape option here for future needs. Luckily at the moment she is doing well with nothing (no pads or meds), but the vet suspects Cushings, so we need to watch her carefully and be prepared. I'd actually prefer every other day to a few weeks, because it lets us keep an eye on things. Also prefer to touch up her hooves often, so she won't have to suffer a longer trim. Our soil is primarily sand, because we are close to the coast. So if we are in a dry spell, she does dry out quickly. But we tend to have very wet weather. I will look up the artimud and see if anything like it can be found here. We were treating with an iodine solution. I prefer this method to using Vettec products we'd used another time because of the constant hoof access to check hooves and check her condition.

[@SarahGrant777]

CleanTrax works to cure thrush in one treatment - done right, you need to follow instructions, but it really works

[@terryferrell3250]

how did secretariat manage to get in such bad shape when the "best of vets" was available?

[@donaldwood7968]

my horse gets sore feet now and then when i goof on her diet. rubber boots work for her but i enjoyed the video.

[@clairebacchi360]

Did it work?

[@Fyralynn]

Wouldnt it be easier to trim the hair on his ankles for this method? The removing of the ductape later cant be pleasant..

[@doublejfarmsky]

Does the horse have to be barefoot?

[@mikeyaeger8241]

Can I just buy the styrofoam in large sections and cut it to size? Also where do you get the styrofoam blocks that's shown in your video? Also Thank you for the time spent uploading a video and helping people out with this.. God Bless

[@EDSSHoofcare]

If you can find the 2" blue or pink construction Styrofoam then you can buy sheets and cut it out. The white beaded Styrofoam or some of the less dense craft Styrofoam doesn't hold up well enough. You can buy them pre-cut at www.shopedss.com

[@garrettovnicek5967]

If you can find the blue construction Styrofoam that is 2" thick in your area, then you can certainly use that and cut them yourself. I believe the pink construction Styrofoam will work as well. Beaded white Styrofoam or green foam will generally not hold up for this purpose, so I would stay clear of that. If you don't want to bother cutting them out or that Styrofoam is not available in your area, you can always order them from www.shopedss.com. Good luck.

[@1959Berre]

Reminds me of the sad song "The Blizzard", by Jim Reeves. Duct tape, if it can save Apollo 13, why wouldn't it save a horse.

[@sukhdeepsingh3849]

For how long we have to apply Styrofoam replacing it everytime it gets crushed..... Do this thing gets cured with time if we use these blocks

[@EDSSHoofcare]

We recommend that you do not completely replace the styrofoam with a new piece each time it crushes. Instead, when the first piece crushes, you should trim it and put the back portion back in the foot and place another new piece over the tope of that one. Once that one crushes, again trim it to match the first layer, put both of those layers back in the foot and place 1 more new pad on top of those. Once this 3rd piece crushes, you can just add some additional tape or even better Elasticon tape over the package to reinforce it for better wear. The most benefit comes from the second and 3rd layers adding more support and protection, while the first layers molds itself into the frog commissures and more evenly distributes the support being offered through the pads. If you replace it each time, you only get a short term relief because you are completely starting over with each new layer. The horse can wear this for up to 2 weeks and you should see some improvement over that time. In most cases, the horses condition will improve, but you may need continue treatment with a more permanent application that still utilizes the same concepts of support, protection and leverage reduction. Here is a link to an article on our website with some additional information: www.edsshoofcare.com/single-post/laminitis-a-general-overview

[@kaylaequestrian1981]

Does this get rid of laminitis completely I only have a very mildly case and don't want it to get bad thanks!

[@JustElly]

if you horse gets laminitis get a fairer out there right away! this is simple something to take the pain of the wall. It's to ease the pain not a fix! But the wall is still have presure in there. A farier has to do the feet, you have to make sure the pony keeps a good diet. enough work less grass espeically the spring grass can give your horse laminitis. Its a killing with kindness dissease. People give the horse to much feed, especially green grass and oh hey my horse goes lame how is that? well your are doing something wrong... it's sad. But horse owners need to get more info on how not to get laminitis cause it's a disease that a horse doesn't have to get with the right care.

[@kaylaequestrian1981]

I had him out a few days after , and now she's recovered

[@JustElly]

good :) it will relieves them lots when a farier takes the heels down. For the rest it is important you take a good look at there diet and give them good exercise and he should be fine.

[@Tahu66381]

I have a 7 year old quarter horse in foal, about 4 months to go. She has had vet treatment with heart bar shoes and dental impression material very early but things don’t seem to be getting better. She is in a sand arena, one day I saw gallop to the end, bucking and kicking the next day she was lame again. Super worried improving one day and lame the next. Good vet care here in NZ but I’m super worried, expensive foal on board as well. Bute helps but aware of the problems there as well.

[@mike136rr]

just add it to the list..another use for duct tape!

[@suemcfarlane4199]

michael ray we have always called it one hundred miles per hour tape because it will hold varies car parts on at that speed and he gave this ponie instant relief with this method

[@sandragrubham8076]

V

[@polarstern5481]

Ein Pferd muß regelmäßig gestriegelt werden!

[@sudburyhouse]

Why is this video still here?? It’s so out dated! There have been huge improvements on this treatment. This is not helpful if someone watches this video and does just this! It’s out dated and not the best you can do for your horse. Take it down.

[@codyovnicek3736]

This application is still a widely used and successful approach for acute laminitis, and in many horses and situations the best option. Although I appreciate your input and recommendation, I don't agree and will go ahead and keep the video up. Thank you.

[@sudburyhouse]

@@codyovnicek3736 It wasn’t my intention to insult you. It’s just that there are more effective ways of doing this procedure with much better results. This video only cushions the foot without taking pressure off the toe. The horse isn’t getting as much relief as it could with a little more heel support. Seems like a no brainer.

[@codyovnicek3736]

@@sudburyhouse I didn't take it as an insult, I just have a difference of opinion is all. I don't know if you watched the whole video or know the whole process, but after the first layer compresses in a day or so, we remove it, trim the front portion away from the sole, put the back half back into the foot (as it has produced a good mold of the frog, bars, and sole in the back of the foot - where most of the load should be for most of these cases), and then a new layer is put over the top of that. What that second layer does is increases the support for the back half of the foot and creates a gap between the sole in the toe (beneath the tip of P3) and the pad to minimize contact. Many horses do great with 2 layers, especially as it crushes, the edges become more crushed, and allows for leverage reduction in all directions. If that layer becomes too compressed, you just remove it, trim the second layer to match the first, put both of those 2 layers back in the back of the foot (thereby establishing more caudal loading), and tape a 3rd layer on to again create more gap below the tip of P3. If you haven't seen how this procedure takes pressure off toe, offers cushion and relief, and offers protection to the bone, then perhaps you haven't seen the process done correctly or don't understand the correct way to use it. I know some people stop at one Styrofoam pad, but that is not the correct application. Styrofoam is super easy to modify with a rasp or saw, its cheap, its forgiving, and its effective. I agree that there are other products and approaches on the market that also work and have successes. Many are more expensive, some are not as forgiving, some add cushion and support but actually increase leverage, etc. I don't think pulling informational videos on procedures that have been very effective for almost 30 years and continue to be successful is necessarily a benefit to the industry. It is still very beneficial, still very widely used, and still very relevant. You can disagree with me all you want. I talk to people everyday who use this protocol and tools and are very grateful they found out about them, many from this video. Thanks again for your input though.

[@sudburyhouse]

@@codyovnicek3736 I did watch the video and I do understand the mechanics of the foot. I guess I just have a different opinion on the process. Rather than putting the styrofoam block on to be compressed then adding an additional block days after seems too little too late. why not support the heal under the block the first time? it seems a little unfair for the horse to have to wait days for relief with such a painful condition. also the compressed block doesn't give enough support or offset in my opinion. I will admit I may have gone a little nuclear having only watched part of the video before commenting. My apologies! However I went back and watched the entire video and still feel there is a more proactive approach. I have seen horses get much more relief from other applications without having to wait days to get it. This isn"t to say that your video was in anyway done wrong i just think it wasn't enough considering the severity of the condition. maybe 12 years ago it was our only option. I don't know. If I broke my ankle I wouldn't want to walk around on it for two days with a compression sock before getting a cast. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

[@sudburyhouse]

@@codyovnicek3736 I just watched your laminitis first aide treatment-podiatry pads video. That’s what I’m talking about. I wouldn’t have commented on the Styrofoam support pads had I seen your other video! The first aide treatment video made much more sense! I still however think the styrofoam support pads video needs to go. I Don’t understand why there needs to be two stages of treatment. Just do the second one first. Thanks