Hoof Gold Radiographic Study

OBJECT: To conduct a trial to radiographically evaluate and examine the clinical effect of Hoof Gold oral supplement in a control period versus a treatment period.

METHOD: An 8yo TB gelding was radiographed on Day 1 (Fig 1) with relevant measurements taken to establish base marker for the control period. Images were taken on the same DDR with a set and consistent FFD. Measurements were made with the units DR’s post processing digital caliper to avoid zoom artefact. The horse was sedated on a clean level surface (concrete) each time and both fore limbs were raised off the ground on 2 inch blocks to ensure the feet were level. The geldings feed and paddock conditions remained constant throughout the 60-day trial.

At the end of the control period at Day 33 (Fig 2) a second set of radiographs were taken. Oral dosing of 2 x Scoops/day of Hoof Gold was initiated at Day 33. A third set of radiographs were taken at Day 60 (Fig 3). Photographs of all four feet were taken Day 60 (Fig 4).

DISCUSSION: Examining the measurements over the 60-day period revealed the following:

- Initial control period R Fr Hoof Dorsal wall growth from 17th Aug @ 23.13mm to 20th Sep @ 26.17mm (33days) measured at 3.04mm or 0.092mm/day

- Treatment period from 20th Sep @ 26.17mm to 17th Oct @ 39.75mm (27days) measured at 13.58mm or .5mm/day

- Treatment represented a 5.4-fold increase (0.5mm vs 0,092mm) in total rate of wall grown in treatment period versus control period.

Photographs taken at Day 60 show a defined growth line demarcating the growth during the treatment period