A hoof plate is provided which is applied to a hoofed animal having a hoof
problem, such as laminitis which is characterized by a degeneration of
the horny and sensitive laminae in the hoof that causes the coffin bone
to drop and rotate, resulting in pain and debilitation of the animal.
Other problems treated are split, cracked, shelly and splayed hoofs, and
thin hoof walls. The plate is flexible metal plate having a plurality of
spaced apertures. If the horse is to be treated shod, a shoe is applied
and nails are driven through the hoof wall and the plate apertures and
clinched against the plate. Screws are then applied to immovable secure
the plate to the hoof. If unshod treatment is used, the plate is just
screwed to the hoof. Outward hoof growth is restrained for a period of
8-16 weeks, during which oxygenated blood flow is stimulated to the
circumflex artery in the hoof capsule, resulting in laminae regeneration,
and growth in the hoof wall, frog, heels and sole. The effects coffin
bone re-rotation (where dropped in laminitis) and enables the animal to
walk more normally.