REC is renowned for excellence and comprehensive quality care of both the performance and pleasure horse. As well as having specialists in equine surgery and medicine, we have a number of veterinarians who focus on lameness in horses across all disciplines. The horse’s foot is a major source of lameness and performance limitation. The saying ‘no foot, no horse’ is used world-wide for good reason! Taking good care and fully understanding the horse’s foot is therefore of paramount importance for management and prevention of many lameness issues.
REC have recently launched Randwick Equine Podiatry (REP) to give you and your horse the best possible foot care. REP is made up of a team of vets who work in collaboration with master farrier Garth Derrig to achieve the most accurate assessment and optimal recommendations for your horse.
Garth has been an active member of the farrier community based in the Hawkesbury district for the past 21 years. He became a Master Farrier in 1998, and has also spent time furthering his experience in the United States. He has a particular interest in therapeutic farriery and extensive experience in trimming and shoeing techniques required for hoof related problems and lameness.
Our podiatry consultation involves static and dynamic evaluation of the hoof and leg conformation and foot radiographs using barium markers. These are discussed in conjunction with previous or current lameness concerns to allow the best possible shoeing plan and hoof maintenance for your horse’s soundness.
REP is useful for sound horses to optimize foot balance, prevent injuries and reduce the risk of future lameness, as well as for horses with lameness due to foot pathology. Improvements in foot balance and shoeing modifications are also of vital importance when managing other injuries such as proximal suspensory ligament inflammation and ‘bowed’ tendons. And of course REP can help with everyday foot headaches such as laminitis and abscesses.
Call us (02 9399 7722) or drop us a line (podiatry@recequine.com.au) for any advice or to arrange a consultation with Garth Derrig and one of our REP vets.