I have a three year old filly who has developed a quarter crack on her
front toe. She had gotten a little long and I felt that more frequent
trimming would clear it up. I've trimmed her twice since the crack
appeared and things seem to be getting worse. She has now developed a
small hole between the wall and the sole directly behind the crack.

I described the situation to a farrier that this was due to the
pressures working against the crack and that the best chance for
correcting the problem was to shoe the foot to reduce it's expansion
and allow the crack to grow out.

She has never been shod and her feet are other wise healthy. I've
picked the hole out and have detected no foul oder or discharge, so
don't feel there is an infection present. She isn't showing any signs
of lameness and probing the area doesn't bring discomfort.

I'm doing a basic barefoot trim. Keeping the walls low and rolling the
toe and quarters to relieve pressure on the outer wall.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Tibbi