Method and apparatus for treating hoof problems
US7533733B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 19, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01L15/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.