After discussing all the problems with Curly's hoof at great length with the barn manager, we both decided that it was time to take the duct tape and plastic boot off. A continually wet hoof is beginning to create more problems with his foot and we both figured that his frog should have healed enough by now to handle some normal walking pressure.
If things appear to worsen over the next couple of days, we plan to thoroughly clean the hoof, lay down some clean bedding and lock him into his stall while the infection is completely eradicated. I sincerely hope we don't have to resort to this - it's pretty drastic and sure to make Curly unhappy.
Both horses were covered in mud (wet and dry) from head to toe today. Hope they had fun rolling...'cause it won't be fun trying to get them clean again!
Curly and Q appear to be losing some weight so I will begin supplementing their diets with Strategy soon - that's a grain pellet for you non-horsey folks. :-) It's not uncommon for a horse to need more calories in the winter - it takes a lot of energy to stay warm!
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