One morning, we noticed Spirit was acting very unusual.
He was moving extremely slowly, almost in slow motion, and it was clear he was uncomfortable. Anytime one of our animals seems even slightly “off,” we act quickly.
So we called Dr. Metcalf to come examine him.
A Closer Look
Dr. Metcalf evaluated Spirit and took X-rays of his front feet to get a better look at what might be causing the discomfort.
The diagnosis: early-stage laminitis.
Laminitis is an inflammation of the laminae tissue in the hoof, and it can become very serious if not caught early.
Custom Support for Relief
To help stabilize Spirit’s feet, Dr. Metcalf created custom hoof support using dental impression putty. The putty molds perfectly to the hoof, providing immediate cushioning and support where it’s needed most.
The difference was noticeable right away—we could immediately see improvement in how Spirit walked. He will also be on pain medication to keep him comfortable as his feet recover.
Why Early Detection Matters
Catching laminitis early can make a huge difference in recovery.
In fact, Dr. Metcalf told us he has never caught a case this early before—which gives Spirit an excellent chance for a smooth recovery.
We’re incredibly thankful for our team, who noticed even the smallest change in his behavior and acted quickly.
A Familiar Challenge
Spirit did experience a bout of laminitis back in May 2023, which required corrective shoeing for a little over a year.
Because of that history, we remain especially attentive to any changes in his movement or comfort.
On the Road to Feeling Better
Thanks to quick action, expert care, and a very observant team, Spirit is already getting the support he needs. We’ll continue monitoring him closely and making sure he stays comfortable while his feet heal.
Our sweet boy is in very good hands—and we’re hopeful he’ll be feeling much better soon!
