Abstract: A protective cover for an animal hoof is provided that includes a sheet having a first side, a second side, and an exterior edge surrounding an interior area of the sheet. The exterior edge includes a plurality of slits extending from the exterior edge to the interior area of the sheet, and flaps of the sheet between each of the plurality of slits. The first side has an adhesive material and the second side has a textured surface. The protective cover may be applied by providing the protective cover; removing the film from the adhesive material; applying the first side with the adhesive material to a center of a bottom of the animal hoof; folding the flaps of the sheet between each of the plurality of slits; and pressing the protective cover against the animal hoof toe, heel, and sidewalls.

Abstract: Hoof care kits suitable for treating an animal's hoof are disclosed. Methods of making and using hoof care kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A therapeutic horseshoe may be a unitary body having opposed upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface may be curved, such that the horseshoe is thicker in the middle and heel portions thereof and thinner at the inner and outer sides and, in some embodiments, the toe portions thereof, which allows a horse with navicular syndrome to easily roll the hoof laterally and medially, and, in some embodiments, breakover the hoof sooner in the gait, to obtain comfort and pain relief, promoting increased blood flow and healing. At least one tab may be removably attached at various locations to the lower surface for customizing points of pressure to the hoof as well as customizing restriction of lateral and/or medial rolling of the hoof. A method of using a therapeutic horseshoe is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hoof soling element to be attached under the hoof of an animal, in particular a horse, wherein said hoof soling element (1) is of uniformly increasing height which enables an area of the soling element (1) that is of lesser height to be attached under the front portion of the hoof and an area of greater height under the rear portion of the hoof, wherein said hoof soling element (1) is composed of a material having a Shore-A hardness ranging between 60 and 90. Said hoof soling is particularly suited for the treatment of laminitis and enables the load acting on the foot to be shifted to the healthy rear hoof portion, wherein as a result of the hardness of the material a sufficient amount of elasticity on the one hand and resistance on the other is achieved.

Abstract: A horseshoe with a stabilizer-feature and splaying has a U shaped metallic unitary body with left-right wings and an integral compliant leaf-spring disposed proximate to or in the horseshoe toe area. The leaf-spring may be crescent-shaped or chord-shaped and resiliently deforms upwards, exerting sideways-pressure causing splaying of the left-right wings. The leaf-spring may have a groove on either side to assist preparation before horseshoe installation. The crescent-shaped leaf-spring forms a cavity with the hoof underside in use, which cavity is optionally filled with a resilient material, e.g., silicone, obviating accumulation of dirt/debris. Stabilizers comprising a plurality of rows of beads formed integrally with the horseshoe bottom form a negative camber on the horseshoe-underside. The stabilizer rows may be staggered and assist in the stability of the horse during racing, especially at track-curves. The horseshoe may be cast/forged, blanked, or welded and can be mass-produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sole support pad for hoofed animals but more particularly to sole support pad for horses with laminitis or other foot problems. Said sole support pad comprises a curable resin-coating tiny expandable polystyrene balls which can be placed directly to the foot with or without shoes in a matter of seconds. It further relates to a process of producing said sole support pad comprising the steps of; coating polystyrene balls with poly-isocyanate prepolymer under dry atmosphere; allowing isocyanate and polyol to react; hardening the resin upon wetting with tertiary amine or organic peroxide solutions, and packaging coated balls in impervious package to prevent contact with atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved shock absorbing, light-weight, thermally insulative orthotic pad designed for use in a pad and boot assembly for hoofed livestock. The pad is comprised of a mixture of flexible spheroids and elastomeric materials. In a preferred embodiment, elastomeric material generally is more concentrated at the top portion of the pad, and spheroids dispersed in a matrix of elastomeric material concentrated at the bottom section of the pad. The spheroids have a lower density than the elastomeric materials and possess better thermally insulative properties, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, at least some of the spheroids are comprised of closed-cell polypropylene foam. A method of making the light weight pad is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved shock absorbing, light-weight, thermally insulative orthotic pad designed for use in a pad and boot assembly for hoofed livestock. The pad is comprised of a mixture of small particles, preferably spheroids, and elastomeric materials. In a preferred embodiment, elastomeric material generally is more concentrated at the top portion of the pad, and particles dispersed in a matrix of elastomeric material concentrated at the bottom section of the pad. The particles have a lower density than the elastomeric materials and possess better thermally insulative properties, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, at least some of the particles are comprised of closed-cell polypropylene foam.

Abstract: The fitting plate (1) fixable between a shoe (2) and the hoof (3) of animal leg (4) is made of at least one type of synthetic material whose surface covers the hoof surface is characterised in that the surface (10) comprises two areas (11, 12) exhibiting different hardness, i.e., the area (12) corresponds to the ares called heel area (12a, 12b) of the hoof and the other area (11) corresponds to the hoof remaining area and exhibits a hardness greater than that of the heel area (12a, 12b).

Abstract: An improved equine hoof boot, boot pad and boot and pad assembly that consists of a flexible boot and a shock absorbing pad disposed inside at the bottom of the boot, the pad having optionally a combination of soft and harder components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoof plate, especially made of a soft material, for orthopedic shoeing, having a plate surface (19) facing the hoof and a plate surface (20) facing away from the hoof. According to the invention, in the plate surface (19) facing the hoof there is formed an indentation (4) for the reception of the frog. Preferably, the plate surface (20) facing away from the hoof has a projection (13) complementary to the indentation.

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: An improved equine hoof boot, boot pad and boot and pad assembly that consists of a fabric boot and dimensioned elliptical shock absorbing pad disposed inside at the bottom of the boot, the pad optionally a combination of soft and harder components and also optionally having a triangular raised frog support at the rear of a hoof stop at the front.

Abstract: An improved animal hoof boot assembly that consists of a fabric boot and a critically dimensioned elliptical shock absorbing pad disposed inside at the bottom of the boot, the pad having a triangular raised frog support at the rear of a hoof stop at the front. The invention is also a method of transporting animals by fitting them with a boot assembly as described above.

Abstract: The invention concerns a horseshoe-like, plate-configured hoof pad of plastic material having two legs that can be adapted to the size of the hoof by means of changing their distance with respect to one another. A connecting bar which can be engaged with the legs of the pad in the area of their ends is configured as surface covering, separate snug-fit-piece completing the circumference of the leg ends completely in order to connect them to each other. The connecting bar includes a circumferential configuration that fills within the leg ends back-cut-recesses in form of flat, lateral bows, wherein the snug-fit-piece can be inserted into the running surface of the leg ends which can be completely integrated in order to keep the leg ends in configurational and force transmitting connection to one another and to make the snug-fit-piece exchangeably removable from the leg ends. At least some of the profile bodies are defined by a border in order to form a depression wherein at least one hoof nail can be placed.

Abstract: A horseshoe made from rubber or an elastomeric material has a tread portion with a plurality of interconnected side-by-side hollow cylindrical buttons. The buttons are open at their upper ends and their lower ends are covered by a thin film of the rubber or elastomeric material. The horseshoe is attached to the horse's hoof with an adhesive and sufficient adhesive is applied to the tread portion to fill the buttons with adhesive material and provide a thin layer of the adhesive material between the tread portion and the hoof when the horseshoe is pushed toward the hoof.

Abstract: An equine hoof appliance for horses, comprising a substantially flat pad having the general shape of the footprint of a horse's hoof and defining a curved toe portion and a substantially flat rear edge portion. The pad attaches to the ground-contacting surface of a horse's hoof and, on its opposite surface, mounts a horseshoe disposed around a ground contacting forwardly sloping and distally extending caudal projection on the pad. The caudal projection emulates and exaggerates the hoof frog and in so doing accomplishes two important objectives. The projection encourages heel first foot placement for maintenance of healthy phalanges alignment. Simultaneously the projection stimulates proprioceptive functions in the hoof to improve the horse's balance.

Abstract: A gripping device for a horse's hoof to provide improved grip to the surface on which the hoof contacts, and a method therefor. The gripping device comprises an elastomeric or polymeric material integrally molded to a gripping plate whereby to form a pad and a surface gripping section that extends upwardly from the plate and in part above the pad. The gripping device spreads shock and concussive forces evenly through the device, distributing pressure over the entire surface of the hoof. The present device provides traction protection and has therapeutic shoeing applications. The present device may be used in conjunction with a hospital plate which overlies an injury to the hoof wherein the elastomeric or polymeric material is cut out at the wound and overlies same, the hospital plate fitting into the cut out portion.

Abstract: The protective sole for horses' hooves is made of resilient material and comprises a metal insert coated in the resilient material, the metal insert having means for fixing it to the hoof.

Abstract: Horse hoof protection is obtained by incorporating a synthetic organic resin such as a urethane resin in the volume defined by the horse hoof bottom wall, suitably covered with a web fixed to the hoof bottom wall that is adhered to said resin. The resin protection is suitably free flowing into place, conforms to the contours of the hoof bottom wall, and adheres to the wall when cured. The protection by the resin is resilient and softer than the hoof wall and acts to cushion the hoof against shock.

Abstract: A surgical block for attachment to a healthy claw of a cleft-footed animal is made of a blend of polyvinyl chloride and calcium carbonate. The block has parallel faces which are mirror images of each other. The faces are joined by a planar sidewall extending the full length of the block, and a second side wall having a planar section parallel to the first side wall and a forwardly disposed curved section forming the forward end of the block. A planar end wall is perpendicular to the planar portions of the two side walls. Each of the faces has a plurality of longitudinally extending zigzag grooves to receive an acrylic adhesive to attach the block to the animal's claw.

Abstract: Horse hoof protection is obtained by incorporating a synthetic organic resin such as a urethane resin in the volume defined by the horse hoof bottom wall, suitably covered with a web fixed to the hoof bottom wall that is adhered to said resin. The resin protection is suitably free flowing into place, conforms to the contours of the hoof bottom wall, and adheres to the wall when cured. The protection by the resin is resilient and softer than the hoof wall and acts to cushion the hoof against shock.

Abstract: A one piece elevated horseshoe to be used on the front feet of a gaited performance horse. The toe to heel angle is adjustable from 0 to 20 degrees, constructed and formed from materials in such a manner as to have adjustable rebound and shock absorbing characteristics. The elevated horseshoe is attached indirectly to the horse's front feet using a conventional nailer pad between the horse's hoof and the elevated horseshoe.

Abstract: An equine frog support system, comprising a support base constructed of a material, preferably a thermoplastic material, molded to conform to the frog and collateral sulci of an equine foot, the material being sufficiently rigid and fully elastic during the use thereof to support the frog and the collateral sulci; and a wrapping or other device for holding the support base against the foot. Preferably, the support base is shaped to support only the frog and collateral sulci of the foot. Also, a method for treating equine laminitis is provided, comprising the steps of placing a softened hardenable material, preferably a thermoplastic material, over the frog and collateral sulci of an equine foot. While the material is in a softened state, the animal is caused to place weight on the affected foot, thereby compressing the material between the ground and the foot.

Abstract: A hoof pad arranged under the hoof of a horse. The hoof pad comprises a hollow body (1) and a valve (2) connected to the body (1), for controlling an inner pressure in the hoof pad. The valve (2) is essentially made of a flexible material. A rear portion (12) of the hoof pad is made of a material that is less extensible at a certain inner pressure than the major part of the hoof pad.

Abstract: A shoe of elastomeric material for attachment to a hoof of an equidae, such as a horse. The shoe has a peripheral configuration corresponding to the peripheral configuration of the sole of an equidae hoof and a cross section of substantially uniform thickness. The shoe includes a tread and a ply, which has sufficient thickness and strength to hold any nails used to attach the shoe to a hoof.

Abstract: An improved horseshoe shock-absorbing impact pad for horses including a generally oval-shaped panel truncated on one side to have an outer perimeter configured to correspond to the hoofprint of a horse. The panel is made of a relatively firm, resilient material, and includes a honeycomb-configured core having a first sheet of resilient material bonded to one face of the core and a second sheet of resilient material bonded to the opposite face of the core to form a plurality of hermetically sealed cells. The core comprises bonded together first and second regions. The first region having a plurality of strips of thermoplastic material having a first stiffness characteristic, bonded together along a plurality of first bond joints to form a plurality of contiguous regular shaped cells.

Abstract: A hoof pad adapted for attachment between the hoof of a horse and a horseshoe. The hoof pad is made of a leather-like composite material having a substantially continuous web portion impregnated with a binder composition. The web portion of the composite material is made of a particulate, matrix-forming material, preferably a natural or synthetic fibrous material. The binder composition binds the particulate, matrix-forming material in the web and imparts resiliency and water resistance to the composite material. Preferably, the binder composition is a natural or synthetic rubber latex. The hoof pad can be a full pad or a rim pad, and is sized to fit between a horse's hoof and a horseshoe with a peripheral portion shaped substantially the same as the arcuate portion of the horseshoe.

Abstract: A horseshoe utilizes reinforced belting material as padding. In certain embodiments, the reinforced belting material is cut to a certain depth in selected locations and the belting material may be removed along the layers of reinforcing material. A truncated toe portion of a horseshoe is adhesively bonded to the turf side of the toe portion of the pad. The reinforcing material provides lateral stability to the padding allowing a thicker pad with the same stability. A new use is provided for used or seconds belting material for the economical production of improved horseshoes. The padding may also be molded from rubber or plastic with a turf side of the toe portion recessed to accommodate the truncated horseshoe.

Abstract: The invention involves a combination hoof pad and horseshoe which raises the horse's heel and at the same time supports the coffin bone. The pad is wedge-shaped to be higher at the heel and lower at the toe. An insert support is located on the bottom of the pad such that it presses upwardly from the ground line to give support to the center of the coffin bone. The shoe portion of the remedial pad and shoe combination is provided with high heels thus raising the hoof heel to relax the flexor tendons. Relaxing the flexor tendons reduces pull on the coffin bone.

Abstract: A hoof pad comprising a polymer composition containing at least about 50% by weight of high molecular weight polycaprolactone polymers wherein the composition has a melting point of from about 120.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F.

Abstract: A device and method for use in preventing laminitis in the foot of a horse includes a boot which is formed and adapted to fit over the horse's hoof. A bladder is positioned inside of the boot and beneath the frog of the horse's hoof. A pump is connected to the bladder and pulsates the bladder to provide pulsating pressure to the frog of the horse's foot to simulate the pressure applied to the frog when the horse is walking. Pulsation of the frog has the effect of removing fluid which may tend to cause a softening of the area where the coffin bone of the horse's foot attaches to the hoof.

Abstract: A horseshoe is for the protection of a horse's foot offering absorption of concussion and adequate traction.

Abstract: A plastic shoe for horses to be secured to a hoof in conjunction with exposure to a thermal operation includes a sole part having an upper edge and being constructed substantially in the shape of a horseshoe for placement under an edge of a hoof. A wall part is secured to the sole and protrudes from the upper edge for laminar joining to a conical outer surface of the hoof. At least one of the parts is constructed of material being shrinkable under the effect of heat.

Abstract: A plastic, removable insert unit for use with an arched horseshoe pad or a horseshoe, the insert unit including a substantially flat region and locking elements for attaching the insert to the horseshoe pad or to the horseshoe, wherein when the insert unit is attached to the horseshoe pad or to the horseshoe, the substantially flat region fits within the arch of the horseshoe pad or the horseshoe and substantially fills the arch is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting the hooves of a horse from concussive forces are described. A pad manufactured of woven felt is fixedly secured between each of the horse's hooves and a horseshoe. The pad has a size and shape approximating that of the horseshoe, and has a preferred thickness of about 0.125-0.250 inches, a surface density of about 30.0-68.0 ounces/square yard, and a density of about 0.218-0.304 ounces/cubic inch. In a preferred embodiment, the pad is first attached to the horseshoe followed by attachment of the horseshoe and pad to the hoof. Any excess portions of the pad extending beyond the edges of the horseshoe are trimmed off.

Abstract: A horseshoe liner (1) having a relatively light-weight, soft and flexible liner element (1') which is arranged between the horseshoe (3) and the hoof (2) of a hoofed animal has, on its upper side, between the inner edge of the horseshoe (3) and a rocking edge part (4) projecting into the sole area (5) of the hoof, hollow sections (7) which are capable of elastic shape changes and are adjacent to the inside of the horseshoe. The hollow sections are arranged longitudinally adjacent to one another at distances (8) apart and are capable of absorbing laterally applied pressure.

Abstract: Device comprised of a screen (2) adapted to be secured in combination to fixtures of a horseshoe (1), and of a pre-forming plate (3) which cooperates with the whole surface of the horseshoe, and which is fastenable in a temporary manner to the screen to permit the injection of a thermoplastic material in the interior of the whole internal volume of the sole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic splinting articles and methods for forming orthopedic splints at least part way around an animal body part. The splinting articles comprise a unitary blank formed of an open-celled foam sheet impregnated with a water curable, isocyanate functional, polyurethane prepolymer resin. The blank is dimensioned to extend the length of the body part to be immobilized and to partially, but preferably not completely, extend around the circumference of the body part. Upon activation of the resin impregnated foam sheet and molding the same around the body part, an orthopedic splint is formed. The present invention further relates to the use of such resin-impregnated foam materials as walking heels or laminates betweeen casts and walking heels, as supports for orthotic devices such as arch supports for foot orthotics, and as protective coverings for animal hoofs.

Abstract: A horseshoe for hooves of four legs of a trotting horse includes a thin plate member of a resiliently bendable plastic having two thickened areas, namely, an outer arched area along a front half of the shoe and a rear triangular area, with the two areas being connected through partial areas of the thin plate member. The arched area is provided with only partially through-going transverse grooves which provide for a good set off and leave longitudinal ribs which stiffen the shoe in a longitudinal direction. The triangular area which covers a hoof frog effects a blood-pumping relative movement and the collateral cartridge areas of the hoof will be covered by the thin plate material which will not exert any high permanent pressure against these areas. The shoe is shaped smooth so that it can not be braked at the impact.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of laminitis in a horse, comprising in the preferred embodiment a plate member sized, shaped and adapted for fastening to the hoof of the horse, the plate member including a concave upwardly projecting portion for rotating an out of position coffin bone of the horse into its normal position and maintaining the coffin bone in the normal position for healing. The apparatus further comprises a U-shaped support member extending from the top of the upwardly projecting portion, for providing additional support and positioning of the coffin bone of the horse, a cushioning member, positioned on top of the plate member and the support member, for cushioning the bottom of the foot of the horse; and a bonding layer of hardened rubber for fastening the support member and the cushioning member to the plate member, the U-shaped support member being an integral portion of the bonding layer.

Abstract: A flexible, resilient wedge pad for hooved animals, particularly the horse, comprising a semicircular toe portion used in connection with a semicircular half-shoe to attach the pad to the forward rim or toe of the hoof and a heel portion that extends linearly between the quarters and bars of the hoof, covering the frog, and terminating behind the heel, directly below the rearmost part of the heel bulbs. The wedge pad increases in thickness from toe to heel, with the heel being thick enough to elevate the quarters, bars and bulbs and prevent contact thereto with the ground. Groundstriking forces are cushioned and placed upon the frog.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and devices for impact and vibration damping and, more particularly, to devices composed of an elastoplastic material including the characteristics of damping, heat and pressure dimensional stability, and moisture non absorbency of a blend of polyolefin and conjugated diene butyl rubber which converts impact shock or vibration energy into thermal energy.

Abstract: A sole plate for attachment to the hoof of a horse by means of plural screws, the plate including a reinforcement frame, an integral casing enclosing the frame, with a portion of the casing defining a central unadhered zone with the frame, a hole formed in the frame for permitting access to the central zone, and a valve closing the hole for insertion of a needle therethrough to inject compressed fluid into the central zone and inflate a portion of the casing forming the bottom wear layer of the plate.

Abstract: A horse shoe pad is formed of a shock absorbing layer and a stabilizing fabric layer. The shock absorbing layer may be made of a dense non-cellular polyurethane of essentially linear structure containing unsatisfied hydroxyl groups, having a compression set of less than 15%, and preferably less than 5%, an elongation at break of at least 500%, a recovery after compression which is delayed by about 0.7 seconds, and a hardness on the Shore 00 scale of approximately 70. The fabric reinforcing layer may be a woven nylon fabric. In addition to these two layers, some embodiments include an additional layer of stabilizing fabric on the opposite side of the shock absorbing layer and/or layers of polyester urethane forming base and/or top layers.

Abstract: In order to prevent extraneous matter from adhering to hooves, expel any extraneous substances adhering thereto and assist the movement of the animal, a horseshoe-shaped insert body 1 is formed by a bent-over toughly elastic strip of material, the bend forming a tube 2 which contains an air chamber 5 of high resistance to counter-pressure immediately followed by air chamber 5' of low resistance to counter-pressure. The insert body has preliminary cuts 7 which, after being cut open, enable the width to be increased and also reduced. Closures 4 in the tube 2 separate the air chambers 5' of low resistance to counter-pressure which immediately follow them and of which the end parts 6 are open.

Abstract: A horseshoe full pad to be interposed between a metal horseshoe and the hoof is made of an energy absorbing microcellular urethane foam having a tough outer skin. The pad is characterized by having a central layer or sheet which covers and can be trimmed to the hoof. Stabilizer bars and heel shock reducers are molded into the turf side of the pad and rise to about the level of the horseshoe so that they along with the shoe take up and absorb some of the shock. A frog pad may be molded into the hoof side of the pad to further protect and/or stimulate it.

Abstract: Anti-snow and anti-ice protection for horses hooves in which an insert is provided in the horse-shoe and part of the elastically deformable U-shaped insert conforming to and coextensive with the inside edge of a horseshoe and in resilient engagement with the sole of a horse's hoof is partly clamped between the horse-shoe and the sole of the hoof.