Abstract: A system for use in positioning and restraining an equine hoof during imaging, with at least one panic-releasable connection. The system may comprise an equine boot and an interface plate attached to the underside thereof, a receiver plate attached to a limb placement region of an imaging apparatus, and a placement plate attached to the receiver plate. Further disclosed is use of one or more components apart from the whole system, and methods of use for positioning and restraining an equine hoof during imaging.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a mesh structure. The mesh structure can be formed from a plurality of cords that are arranged in a mesh pattern or can be formed using a knitting process. The mesh structure can be disposed over the upper and the sole structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of positioning a horse's foot for radiographic examination which includes attaching to the hoof of the lower limb to be X-rayed a radiolucent pad, and necessary height extension plates, all having the shape of the hoof's footprint in order to elevate the hoof to a level above the standing surface that will position the area of X-ray interest appropriately with the beam of the X-ray collimator. In addition, it is necessary to place a platform of the same or similar height as the pad and its height extensions beneath of the hoof of the opposite foot. The apparatus for attaching the pad to the horse's hoof preferably comprises a pair of overlapping elastic straps.

Abstract: A horse shoe shielding device comprising: a shielding member comprising a concave portion adapted to receive the heel of a horse shoe when worn on a horse such that the heel of the horse shoe is covered by the shielding member; and attachment means adapted to allow attachment of the shielding member to the horse shoe, wherein at least a portion of the shielding member extends rearwards from the attachment means and then upwards to shield the heel of the horse shoe, and wherein the horse shoe shielding device is adapted to cover only a portion of the hoof of the horse.

Abstract: A removable equine shoe for temporary use in icy or slippery conditions comprised of a durable elastomeric compound that provides particular anatomical protection to an animal's hoof, and the shoe being affixed to the hoof by slightly deforming the shoe sidewalls in order to structurally wrap the shoe around the sides and impinge on the hoof wall, and with the sole of the shoe supporting traction studs strategically placed under hoof pressure points.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include orthotic devices for treating hoof ailments, including laminitis and founder, and methods of treating the hoof ailments using an orthotic. In one embodiment, the hoof orthotic includes a platform having a heel end, a toe end, an inside and an outside edge, the heel end comprising a center section of the platform. The toe end includes a first tip and a second tip having a space therebetween such that the toe end is not enclosed. The platform includes an upper hoof contact surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being elevated at the heel end of the platform and sloping such that the heel end has a greater vertical height than the toe end. The orthotic also includes attachment means that extend vertically from the platform for attaching the orthotic to the animal hoof. The orthotic can be made from a resilient and/or elastomeric material that may also provide cushioning and fitting advantages.

Abstract: A horse shoe shielding device comprising: a shielding member comprising a concave portion adapted to receive the heel of a horse shoe when worn on a horse such that the heel of the horse shoe is covered by the shielding member; and attachment means adapted to allow attachment of the shielding member to the horse shoe, wherein at least a portion of the shielding member extends rearwards from the attachment means and then upwards to shield the heel of the horse shoe, and wherein the horse shoe shielding device is adapted to cover only a portion of the hoof of the horse.

Abstract: A gel that includes a fungicide or an anti-bacterial is contained within a single dosage packet that includes a tapered nozzle end and a body. The fungicide or anti-bacterial gel is applied to the hoof of a horse by opening the packet at the tapered nozzle end and squeezing the body. The gel is then spread over the frog and sole of the hoof with a portion of the packet. The gel is heated so that it spreads to recessed areas of the hoof that can contain the bacterial and fungus infections.

Abstract: The animal wound shield is a protective casing having a shank portion and an appendage cover that can be disposed around a limb and an attached appendage of the animal. The appendage cover is articulated to a lower end of the shank. Thus, the appendage cover is pivotally connected to the shank and moves with the movement of the appendage. The shank may have more than one section, or an upper and lower portion, to extend further up on the limb, and yet still accommodate for joints. The shield is designed for use around an injured limb to cover a bandaged area and prevent further damage to the wounded site. Vent openings are defined in the shank and the appendage cover to permit air circulation. Fasteners may be used at a top end of the shank to hold the shank on the limb.

Abstract: A protective device 104 for hoofed and shod animals fabricated of a durable and flexible material is presented. The protective device 104 includes a base 106 and a wall 108, with the wall designed to enclose a hoof 100 of a bare or shod animal such as a horse or cow. The protective device 104 includes a means for size adjustment 216 such as a sizing opening 214 in combination with a plurality of tread grooves 304, which assists in the adjustment of the size and shape of the hoof to fit a variety of hoofs. The protective device 104 preferably includes a shear-relief portion 302 formed such that the front of a hoof has minimal contact with the device 104. Ease of installation, decreased impact, and improved traction are all benefits provided by the protective device 104 disclosed.

Abstract: A hoof pad is used with a shoe for an animal, with the pad having a plate-shaped object and a plurality of catches. The flexible plate-shaped object has a partially elliptical shape including a top surface, an inner edge, an outer edge substantially matching the inner edge of the shoe. The plurality of catches are formed on the top surface of the plate-shaped object, with the catches extending outward from the plate-shaped object. The plate-shaped object is supported on the inside of the shoe by securing the catches on the plate-shaped object to the top of the shoe so that the top of the plate-shaped object has substantially the same height as the top of the shoe. The plate-shaped object is removably attachable to be freely attached and removed from the bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: A device for elevating a horse hoof to encourage the horse to lift the opposite hoof for shoeing. The device includes primarily a sock configured to be releasably mounted on a horse hoof and at least one riser secured to the sock for elevating the horse hoof. The sock is fabricated of a pliable material and is configured to conform to the hoof of the horse when attached. An opening is provided in the rear of the sock to enable mounting and dismounting of the sock on the hoof. A fastening device is carried by the sock to secure the sock to the hoof to prevent unselected removal. The sock is carried by a primary riser. The primary riser is comprised of a plurality of riser pads stacked one on top of another. The riser pads are secured to each other in a conventional manner. A horseshoe is mounted on the bottom surface of the primary riser in order to enhance the durability of the bottom riser pad.

Abstract: A device for elevating a horse hoof to encourage the horse to lift the opposite hoof for shoeing. The device includes primarily a sock configured to be releasably mounted on a horse hoof and at least one riser secured to the sock for elevating the horse hoof. The sock is fabricated of a pliable material and is configured to conform to the hoof of the horse when attached. An opening is provided in the rear of the sock to enable mounting and dismounting of the sock on the hoof. A fastening device is carried by the sock to secure the sock to the hoof to prevent unselected removal. The sock is carried by a primary riser. The primary riser is comprised of a plurality of riser pads stacked one on top of another. The riser pads are secured to each other in a conventional manner. A horseshoe is mounted on the bottom surface of the primary riser in order to enhance the durability of the bottom riser pad.

Abstract: A horse leg protection system that includes a stretchable sock that is stretched over the lower leg of a horse and attached to a hoof protecting boot of the system to provide a barrier between the horse's leg and hoof and possible contaminants.

Abstract: A temporary horseshoe capable of being quickly and easily attached and removed from the hoof of a horse. The horseshoe includes a sole having a toe and heel formed of an elastomeric material using a conventional injection molding process. The properties of the elastomeric material allow the sole of the shoe to be durable and other portions to be flexible. The shoe includes an opening in the center of the sole to closely resemble a conventional steel shoe. The opening extends through the heel of the sole, forming a pair of opposed heel portions that may be flexed outwardly to facilitate the insertion of the hoof into the shoe. A heel plate is located in each heel portion that urges the heel portion to return to its original position when flexed and presses the hoof forward into engagement with the sole. The sole also contains a pair of retention panels that extend over the toe of the sole and act to retain the horse's hoof within the shoe by pressing the hoof against the base and heel of the sole.

Abstract: A boot for horses' hooves made of flexible material having a sole part and an integral upper part with inner slots at the back, between the sole part and the upper part, provided to accommodate the protruding rear parts of a horseshoe on the hoof. An elastic check tooth is formed at the rear center portion of the upper part. The engagement of the rear parts or "calks" of the horseshoes, together with the tapered shape of the upper, holds the boot on the hoof. The boot preferably extends just high enough to cover the hoof without covering the fleshy parts of the foot.

Abstract: A housing to enclose the exposed portion of the cord loop of a window blind or other window covering includes an integral drive arrangement to cycle a cord loop through the headrail of the blind, in order to open or close the blind. The cord loop is retained within the housing by a cord guide, such as a pulley, mounted at the lower end of the housing. A cord grip member displaceable between upper and lower ends of the housing permits the user to drive the cord loop. The cord grip member is provided with first and second clamps within the housing and first and second actuators external to the housing, each clamp being linked to a respective actuator through an elongate slot within the housing. The clamps may be actuated to releasably grip a first or second strand of the cord, respectively, to drive the cord loop in one direction or the other when the cord grip member is drawn downwardly along the housing.

Abstract: A dog boot having as particular portions a foot, ankle and calf, the calf and ankle being large enough to accommodate the dog's paw passing through. The front of the boot calf has a vertical opening, and there is provided a vertical panel, free at the top, providing a tongue for covering the vertical opening in both an open or relatively closed condition, for insertion and removal of the dog's leg from the boot. A horizontal belt is fastenable at optionally chosen vertical places along the back of the boot; and a vertical strap affixed to the boot along the rear portion of the calf provides both a carrying strap and a cover to guard against snags of the hook-like Velcro area which provides the holder body for the horizontal belt. Other features add to the boot's advantages.

Abstract: This invention relates to animal hoof covers characterized in that provided a base, a toe cap fixed to the base and first and second fastener support means having tabs extending to either side thereof to which tie means can be mounted for securing the hoof cover to an animals hoof.