Navicular Case Study
The COBIT effect as seen on X-rays
X-rays confirm optimum breakover was found when using the COBIT to guide the trim as shown below
Right Front BEFORE COBIT applied
Long and short pasterns are not aligned with the coffin bone. Center of balance was found and indicated by a nail head taped to the hoof. Notice how hoof and shoe are run forward.
Right Front AFTER COBIT applied
Using the COBIT, proper breakover was determined. Hoof was trimmed, and the shoe was set back to the line that is provided by the COBIT. The nail used to mark the center of balance is behind the nail that is holding the shoe on. The shoe is now placed under the bone column. This adjustment will reduce tendon and ligament strain. The AFTER X-rays show the long and short pasterns aligned with the coffin bone.
The following shows how the COBIT was used over the next 4 months.
Jiggles is a 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare. She has a history of founder and was recently diagnosed by Dr. Baron of Peak Veterinary Health. A referral was made to Ross to use the COBIT and shoe accordingly.
Jiggles was first seen in December of 2021 and Ross was able to have X-rays done at the time of shoeing. These X-rays have been used to show that the COBIT finds the center of balance and the optimum breakover point. Jiggles was seen again in February 2022 and X-rays were once again taken and compared to the X-rays from December.
The comparison of the X-rays shows the positive changes in the foot from December to February, the change in the long and short patterns, and the correction of the Palmer Angle.
The following shows the step-by-step process in December 2021 and February 2022.
If you question about the process please send us an email.
Ross Smith and Dr. Laura Baron Introduction to Jiggles December 18, 2021, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Jiggles was first seen by Ross Smith on December 18, 2021. In attendance was owner Jeff Janssen, Dr. Laura Baron D.V.M., Peak Veterinary Health of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and Lars Baron - farrier and COBIT Team Member
12:57 pm Jiggles feet prior to work being done
1:35 pm Right front foot being X-rayed from the side with original shoes on - X-rays by Dr. Laura Baron
1:37 pm Right front foot being X-rayed from the front with original shoes on - X-rays by Dr. Laura Baron
1:43 pm Dr. Baron putting the COBIT on left front leg with shoe on. Ross checking balance and explaining the marks.
1:48 pm Dr. Baron marking the right front leg with shoe on, Ross explaining the marks from the COBIT
1:57 pm X-raying left front leg
2:15 pm Discussion of Palmer Angle
2:39 pm Jiggles feet being X-rayed again
2:45 pm Shaping the shoe to the foot - it requires a very broad toed shoe
“The horse will tell you everything you need to know” Ross Smith
2:58 pm Trimming the foot
X-rays confirm optimum breakover was found when using the COBIT to guide the trim as shown below
The COBIT effect as seen on X-rays
Right Front BEFORE COBIT applied
Long and short pasterns are not aligned with the coffin bone. Center of balance was found and indicated by a nail head taped to the hoof. Notice how hoof and shoe are run forward.
Right Front AFTER COBIT applied
Using the COBIT, proper breakover was determined. Hoof was trimmed, and the shoe was set back to the line that is provided by the COBIT. The nail used to mark the center of balance is behind the nail that is holding the shoe on. The shoe is now placed under the bone column. This adjustment will reduce tendon and ligament strain. The AFTER X-rays show the long and short pasterns aligned with the coffin bone.
3:00 pm New shoes for Jiggles
Observations by Owner
Just about an hour after the changes were made I noticed Jiggles was standing underneath herself. Previously, she would stand stretched out. Now she stands straight up. I am noticing little things like she is more willing to pick up her feet. Generally, she is just carrying herself flatter and looks more relaxed. We are looking forward to seeing how things go!
Jeff Janssen December 18, 2021
From video recording December 18, 2021
Jiggles at 3:30 pm has been resting for a while getting used to the new feeling of being balanced and having different shoes. Notice her legs are now under her body
“The horse will tell you everything you need to know.” Ross Smith
A time-lapsed video of Jiggles experiencing the effects of the Center of Balancing Indicating Tool - COBIT. Relaxation, yawning, body shakes, licking the lips, softer eye, calmer, and feet underneath the body are all signs that she is feeling better. Depending on the horse and severity of the issue it can be very dramatic. Jiggles did a lot of yawning and licking her lips. She told us how she felt!
Dr. Baron and Ross discuss next steps for Jiggles
February 3, 2022 Peak Veterinary Health, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan - Second Shoeing
Ross’ Comments on Jiggles
February 3rd, 2022 was the second shoeing for Jiggles. Before starting any work on Jiggles, Ross took an overall assessment. What he observed was that she was standing a lot better. After her first shoeing in December, her topline improved, and those improvements lasted through to February. She was standing with her legs underneath her and looked comfortable. When the shoes were taken off and Ross completed the initial trim he commented that he did not trim as much off her feet as he did in December 2021.
We met Jiggles and Tanya Janssen at Peak Veterinary Health in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, so Dr. Laura Baron could take X-rays. We were able to see right away what changes had occurred in Jiggles feet since December 2021.
Thank you to Peak Veterinary Health for allowing us to come and use the new facility!
12:51 pm Veterinary Technician Theresa putting the COBIT on for the first time.
1:00 pm Taking X-rays of Jiggles right front leg with shoe on
1:01 pm Dr. Baron examining the X-ray
1:11 pm Jiggles is such a patient horse. A joy to work with!
1:27 pm Ross putting on small nail head with tape on the center of balance, so it can be seen when X-raying the foot
1:28 pm Group work to X-ray right front foot
1:28 pm Left front foot being X-rayed with no shoe on
1:32 pm Viewing left front foot X-ray
1:43 pm Dr. Baron, Dr. Buyer, and Ross discussing what they are seeing on the X-ray
1:50 pm X-raying the back right hind foot
2:02 pm Front feet - just waiting for shoes!
2:18 Putting broad toed shoes on right front hoof
Putting on the COBIT
1:53 pm Ross putting the COBIT on the right front foot, balancing and marking it
Using the Ruler
2:02 pm Ross using the ruler and explaining why it is important to know measurements
This video shows how to put the COBIT on the hind feet
February 2022 X-rays
Right Front
Right front foot with shoe on. Both X-rays show improvement of bone column alignment over the center of the weight bearing surface
Left Front
Left front foot with shoe on
April 2022, Moose Jaw Saskatchewan - Third Shoeing
April 2022 was Jiggles’ third shoeing. Again, reviewing her overall look posture and demeanour I observed that Jiggles looked happy and comfortable. I was told that she had placed in her first cutting competition the previous weekend.
Breakover on her front feet needed to be moved 1/4 inch, which is a basic reset. Her feet have changed dramatically and are good and solid. Now it is general maintenance for Jiggles. Regularly scheduled farrier work with the COBIT will keep her sound and happy. Ross Smith