Equine frog support system

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. The compressed material is allowed to conform to the frog and the collateral sulci until the material hardens, thereby forming a substantially rigid and fully elastic support base, after which the support base is secured to the foot. If necessary, the support base may be removed from the foot after the material hardens, and excess material may be removed from the support base so that primarily the frog and the collateral sulci are supported.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.