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We have a 32 year old Buckskin (ex Gymkhana/Barrel Racer) she has horrible bone spurs on both front knees. She gets bute both the night before and the day of farriers visit. He can barely get her back feet and cannot get her front feet at all. She cannot bend nor lift her front lets, both due to the pain/stiffness and the lack of balance. The vet will not tranqulize her.

Any suggesions????

Hi,

I've seen sling/pulley type contraptions, used to support horses who are too sore to support themselves for farrier visits, such as severe founder or navicular cases. Don't know if this sort of thing would help, as it won't help her bend her legs tho. I think you might find the info about them on www.naturalhorsetrim.com Gee, how's this girl's quality of life if she can't bend her legs much? Do you think she's in much pain generally? Can she get around alright?

She probably isn't in the greatest of comfort. She gets monthly shots of Adequin (sp?). Other than her knees, she is very healthy and that makes it hard to look into her eyes and put her down. She is a feisty little thing with a good appetite (something they've been advised to keep an eye on). But, she has a tough time getting back up when she lays down, sometimes she needs assistance. Though once she gets helped up she will lay her ears back and Canter off, as if to say I didn't NEED YOUR help! They know the time is very soon, but they have been hoping nature will take course on its own. Until then, they are trying to figure a good way to trim underneath those front feet.