Duncan was diagnosed with low ringbone - arthritis in the coffin joint.  Because of this, his gait is affected and he is on anti-inflammatories as needed.  The March 2006 photo shows the affected foot with poor structure - underrun heels, a compromised frog, and a long toe. 

     Because the hoof had migrated forward, the arthritis caused Duncan to drag his toe and wear his foot right back through the white line and into the sole.  By July, you can see a huge difference in the quality of frog.   The heels and toe have come back to almost where they need to be and he is no longer wearing right through the toe.  He is also gaining concavity to the foot as well - as the frog gets healthier, his foot is able to shed false sole that previously made it appear flat, but with the shedding of false sole, the foot gains more concavity. 

     The ringbone is a progressive disease and the best we can do for the horse is to keep him on an appropriate exercise program and administor anti-inflammatories as discussed with the veterinarian.  However, better balance and structure to the foot will improve the foot's function and performance, thus alleviating the effects of the arthritis as much as possible - particularly by building up better internal soft tissues to absorb excess energy in the foot so that it does not get transferred to the bony column and joints.  Also, not having a metal shoe to transmit energy and shock into the bony column of the foot will help keep the horse more comfortable as well.  

     Duncan is a great example of a hoof afflicted with a pathology that can not be reversed, yet is still able to achieve and maintain a healthy, well-functioning foot - without the aid of "corrective shoeing."