Abstract: A secure equine hoof boot is provided, which engages the bulbs of the hoof to impede rotation of the boot relative to the hoof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an equine protective covering by applying a stamp comprises a profiled shape with a predetermined temperature and pressure to the interior side of the cushion assembly. The first synthetic fabric layer and the second neoprene layer are permanently bonded. The second neoprene layer is plastically deformed such that the profiled shape of the stamp is permanently transferred to the second neoprene layer. The plastic deformation of the second neoprene layer is such that the perforations remain open.

Abstract: A “rocker” attachment for an equine boot with an adjustable shaped structure that attaches to the underside of a sole of an equine boot and allows the boot to rock forward—break-over—when tilted, as by movement of the equine leg, thus allowing the equine to find a naturally comfortable position.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing an equine protective covering includes applying a stamp comprising a profiled shape with a predetermined temperature and pressure to the interior side of the cushion assembly such that concurrently: the first synthetic fabric layer and the second neoprene layer are permanently bonded; the second neoprene layer is plastically deformed such that the profiled shape of the stamp is permanently transferred to the second neoprene layer; and the plastic deformation of the second neoprene layer is such that the perforations remain open.

Abstract: A form fit therapy boot along with methods of fabricating the boot for animals (including zoo animals, domestic animals and farm animals) to treat foot and/or hoof injuries is described. Embodiments of the boot permit the maintenance of a clean, reasonably sterile environment surrounding a wound or infection.

Abstract: A dog boot is fabricated using a breathable substrate, preferably of durable material such as heavy nylon. Onto the substrate, various friction pads, wear pads, tensioning straps, and strategically located cushions are attached. Specially configured slits ensure that a wide range of leg sizes relative to paw sizes may be accommodated, while easing application of the boot and eliminating any risk of bunching.

Abstract: A device for protecting the skin of an animal from damage, abrasion and/or moisture is provided. A first version includes an elastic element attached to a pair of protective sheets. The elastic element in combination with the protective sheets encircles an animal limb proximate to a hock, wherein the protective sheets are positioned over the hock. One or more protective sheets may be partially curved to form a cup shape for at least partially enclosing the hock. A moisture absorbent material may be attached to and disposed between the skin of the animal limb and both the elastic sheet and the protective sheets. The absorbent material may be a wicking material, such as a moisture wicking fleece. The protective sheet may optionally be asymmetric as positioned about a sagittal plane central to the hock.

Abstract: A boot for treating laminitis in horses has a hoof casing snugly receiving an supporting a horny hoof wall of the laminitic hoof and a sole pivotally attached to the hoof casing such that the laminitic hoof may pivot with respect to the sole while the sole is planted on ground, thereby reducing stress on the inflamed laminae. A bearing assembly disposed between the hoof casing and the sole facilitates pivoting, and friction adjustment may be provided.

Abstract: An assembly of a reservoir with a solid sole and an orthotic pad to provide a relatively simple, light weight portable system to allow equine hoof and leg cooling together with proper hoof support. The assembly and method is useful for preventive treatment for performance stress and lameness, including laminitis.

Abstract: Described in this application for patent is a cover for treating the hoof or leg of a hooved animal. The cover includes a hoof shoe and a sock joined at a seam. The hoof shoe includes a pocket for receiving the hoof of the animal and provides a continuous outer surface for enclosing the hoof and a cushioned bottom portion allowing for treatment to the underside of the hoof. The sock includes a liner, such as silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane, which adheres to the skin or hair of the animal and prevents the cover from being displaced during wear.

Abstract: A bandage for a hoof, including a sheet material having a central body portion and a plurality of palmate lobes radiating outwardly from a central body portion. Straps extend from opposed sides of a lobe adjacent the back side of the hoof and are secured to an exterior portion of the bandage adjacent the toe of the hoof when the bandage is installed on the hoof.

Abstract: Method and devices for treating equine laminitis by cryotherapy, comprising a boot to be fitted over the horse's hoof, having a wedge shaped sole that is angled by 20° toward the front; The purpose is accomplished by the boot in conjunction with three opportunely shaped removable soles, and a cryotherapy reservoir of flexible material, that is inserted into the boot and connected to an external device for refrigeration by circulation of a fluid.

Abstract: An equine medicinal delivery system includes a dental roll impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof. Another embodiment of an equine medicinal delivery system includes a pledget impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof. A method of manufacturing an equine medicinal delivery system includes providing copper sulfate powder, combining water with the copper sulfate power to form a solution, and impregnating an applicator device with the solution. A method of manufacturing an equine medicinal delivery system includes providing an applicator device impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof.

Abstract: A boot assembly and method that simulates, in a static equine animal (stalled or hauled), the natural mechanical action of walking or other gaited exercise. The assembly has a boot, containing a shock absorbing pad that is fitted with a separate pulsing bladder disposed on, under or inside the shock absorbing pad. Pressuring and relaxing the pulsing bladder in the bottom of the boot rhythmically pushes against the sole and frog of the equine hoof in much the same way that the hoof is exercised when the animal is moving. The pulsing action helps stimulate blood flow through the hoof and is beneficial to shod, injured, and transported horses. The assembly may be fitted on one or more hooves, and may be automated to provide timing and sequencing to simulate different gaits of the animal.

Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of core cooling the blood of an equine animal. The apparatus is a flexible boot with an orthotic pad that has various features to allow for circulating coolant so the bottom hoof area of an equine can be cooled. Optionally the pad is designed to allow cooling under vacuum. In some aspects the apparatus also provides elements to facilitate cooling the lower leg of the equine in a way designed to allow coolant circulated through the boot pad to also be circulated through leg cooling elements while maintaining a controlled temperature against the leg surface. The invention is also a method of core cooling an animal utilizing the apparatus described.

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: A hoof boot assembly enables a user to remedy a select hoof disorder, and comprises an outer hoof-enveloping casing and an inner cavity-filling core. The casing is constructed from an elastic material and the core is constructed from a viscoelastic material. The core is received in the casing such that when donned upon a hoof, the sole/frog cavity of the hoof negatively impresses the core. In other words, the boot assembly is outfitted upon a hoof such that the casing envelopes the hoof, and the core compressibly fills the hoof cavity thereof. The optional medicament is deliverable to a target treatment site via core compression for topically treating the site. The casing is elastically actuable and returnable during hoof loading/unloading, and the core is creep-compressible and creep-returnable during hoof loading/unloading.

Abstract: An equine medicinal delivery system includes a dental roll impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof. Another embodiment of an equine medicinal delivery system includes a pledget impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof. A method of manufacturing an equine medicinal delivery system includes providing copper sulfate powder, combining water with the copper sulfate power to form a solution, and impregnating an applicator device with the solution. A method of manufacturing an equine medicinal delivery system includes providing an applicator device impregnated with a medicinal solution for placement in an equine hoof.

Abstract: A hoof plate is provided which is applied to a hoofed animal having a hoof problem, such as laminitis which is characterized by a degeneration of the horny and sensitive laminae in the hoof that causes the coffin bone to drop and rotate, resulting in pain and debilitation of the animal. Other problems treated are split, cracked, shelly and splayed hoofs, and thin hoof walls. The plate is flexible metal plate having a plurality of spaced apertures. If the horse is to be treated shod, a shoe is applied and nails are driven through the hoof wall and the plate apertures and clinched against the plate. Screws are then applied to immovable secure the plate to the hoof. If unshod treatment is used, the plate is just screwed to the hoof. Outward hoof growth is restrained for a period of 8-16 weeks, during which oxygenated blood flow is stimulated to the circumflex artery in the hoof capsule, resulting in laminae regeneration, and growth in the hoof wall, frog, heels and sole.

Abstract: A flexible hoof sock for use with horse's comprising a sole portion and body portion both made of a flexible and durable material to enable the hoof sock to be worn in the field or in the stall. Further, comprising two flexible closure flaps attached to the upper portion of the body having VELCRO™ attachments at the distal ends of each closure flap and the opposing point of connection on the upper anterior portion of the body, or the tongue. The body, sole and closure flaps when attached to the tongue create a pocket or opening to encase an equine's hoof. Inside this opening one or both of two pads can be inserted, parallel to the sole portion of the hoof sock. The first pad is the cushion pad which is a circular pad that is made of rubberized material to provide cushioning to the horse's hoof. The second pad is a therapeutic pad which is also circular in shape and is made of a felt or similar absorbent material.

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: The aqua boot for horses is a device which is designed for rehydration of a horses hoof in order to prevent excessive dryness and cracking of the hoof. The boot is a structured sponge or plastic foam wrap having an inside shoulder for attaching to and conforming to a dehydrated hoof of a horse. The boot is a layer of absorbent foam or sponge material having apertures, adhered to a rubber or vinyl backing material with mating strips of hook and loop fastening material attached to opposite ends of the sponge or foam so that the boot may be wrapped around the horse's hoof. The foam or sponge layer is soaked in water, ice or other moisturizing liquid, lotion, or gel, and wrapped about the hoof with the sponge layer in contact with the hoof.

Abstract: A protective device 104 for hoofed animals fabricated of a durable and flexible material. The protective device 104 includes a base 106 and a wall 108, with the wall designed to enclose a hoof 100 of an animal such as a horse or cow. The protective device 104 includes a size adjustment 216 mechanism 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. The protective device 104 is held in place by an attachment mechanism such as a strap with holes and corresponding pegs positioned roughly circumferentially around the device. Ease of installation, decreased impact, and improved traction are all benefits provided by the protective device 104 disclosed.

Abstract: A protective device 104 for hoofed 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 an 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 protective boot for an animal's hoof having a flexible covering of a general hollow ungulate shape to fit over a hoof. A protective upper portion is connected to the top of the hollow shape to cover the lower leg of the animal. The upper is of sufficient length to extend above the dewclaws on the animal's leg. Securing fastener, such as a strap or Velcro.RTM. near the top of the upper secures the top of the boot around the reduced diameter portion of the animal's leg located above the dewclaws. A hollow tube extends from the upper to beneath the hoof of the animal. The tubing is provided with a branched end extending to opposite sides of the hoof.

Abstract: A boot for a horse's hoof to protect the coronet comprising a layer of flexible elastomeric foam sandwiched between opposed layers of strong, flexible low-friction cloth like woven nylon, cut in a flat right circular trapezoid shape and bound around the edge with cloth tape and cross-sewn to form a tight sandwich for wrapping around the hoof and fix with Velcro.RTM. strips.