Frog Function revisited

When you are asked what the function of the frog is what do you say? It's a pump, its for traction, its a shock absorber? Over the centuries we have come to accept the frog's function based on, for the most part supposition. There have been numerous studies done on the frog from many different perspectives, but I have not seen many that looked at the frog from my perspective.If the frog's primary function was to act as a pump then why the triangle shape? A simple question. Why has the frog not take on the form of a pad whose confirmation was closer to that of a half sphere? After all when I need to prime my Weed Eater I pump the little rubber half bubble on its carb, this conformation makes sense, but a triangle?
 One has to explore the foundations of the foot to formulate an understanding of why the frog is triangular in shape. In my video on foot function and in class I use a simple paper plate to help explain part of its conformation. On the paper plate I draw the solar structures of the hoof, then grab the area of the plate that represents the heels and attempt to distort the plate without causing distortion to occur at the area that represents P3 (the toe area). You will find that it can't be done. Now cut out the area represented by the frog, and attempt to do the same. Now you can induce distortion to the caudal foot, and the "V" known as the Frog Stay aids in isolating the distortion to the caudal foot, protecting the coffin joint and P3 from torque. Why? The foundations of the caudal foot are cartilage. Each of the lateral cartilages (Palmar Foundations) can distort independently of one another, providing elastic potential acting as torque arms to protect the dorsal foundation from torque (P3).

In an effort to define frog function it is important that you identify true conformation of the frog, including its distal surface and proximal surface. Many of the studies conducted do not take into consideration the proximal or axial surface of the insensitive frog. The proximal surface is where we find the Frog Spine. The Frog Spine function has not to the best of my knowledge been defined. In frog function studies at the Institute the frog spine is viewed as a dynamic structure that functions to direct the energies created during the stride.  From my perspective the primary function of the frog is to act as a vehicle for the delivery of stimulus to the appropriate structures within the caudal foot. Subscribing to this definition of frog function helps us to understand the correlation between health of the frog and health of the digital cushion, and ungluar cartilages. I recall closing my talk at the International Hoof Summit in 2006 with this statement "if you have poor health to the frog, you can't expect to achieve health in the caudal foot." Under run heels, poor bar conformation (frog stay conformation), contracted heels are all the result of weak structure due to lack of correct stimulus. Having a means to deliver correct stimulus to the structures of the caudal foot is paramount in developing health, and the frog is the primary vehicle for the delivery of that stimulus.

Spectrum of Usability

Day three of the Ocala Florida Level One Applied Equine Podiatry course. Working with cadaver limbs teaching Spectrum of Usability. The S of U is used to evaluate the hoof for health and conformation. We first developed our S of U in 2002.

The spectrum was developed for use by the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry for a study being conducted to compare health and confirmation of a hoof to the position of P3 (coffin bone) in relationship to the ground plane. 50 cadaver hooves were obtained from a local rendering plant. Six structures of the hoof were rated for health on a scale of 1 to 9 with 1 being very poor and 9 being very healthy. Six structures scored: Frog, Sole, Heel, Bars, Quarters, and Toe. We then averaged the scores together to get an average score for each hoof.
We then proceeded to remove the hoof capsule being careful not to damage the internal foot (Internal Arch Apparatus). The internal foot was then placed on a glass panel, with the tip of P3 and the most distal points of the sensitive frog making contact with the plane. Measurements were then taken at the widest part of P3. We measured the space presented between the glass plane and the dermis at this point, both medial and lateral averaging the measurements together.
We then compared these measurements to the S of U score for each given hoof. Our findings were that the hooves that presented height from the glass plane to the dermis scored higher on the S of U than those that presented little to no height (ground parallel) at this location. This pilot study provides evidence to support the belief that correct conformation of the Ungular Cartilages aid in positioning the distal border of P3 within the capsule. It is our belief that when the ungular cartilage conformation is correct the distal boarder of P3 is at a 5 degree inclination to the ground plane.  It is our belief that those hooves with the lowest S of U scores present a caudally rotated P3.

Passion for Learning, You gotta love it

Yesterday was the first day of the fall Applied Equine Podiatry course held in Ocala Florida. The coursed open with an introduction to the principles and phylosophies of Applied Equine Podiatry, following this up with teaching the basics of Physiological Sequencing. If you have been following this blog you may have taken notice that I refer to physiological sequencing often.
Today's class will continue with the defining hemodynamics and the Suspension Theory of Hoof Dynamics. Also of great importance in teaching AEP is to be certian that all students Have a clear understanding of Dynamic Equilibrium as it pertains to foot function, this allows for a shift in paradym. First time students are often overcome by feelings of, lets just say concern over the current lack of respect offered normal physology in the practice of hoof care. In the first two days of class students are exposed to: The Internal Arch Theory, the Suspension Theory of Hoof Dynamics, Hemodynamics within the foot, Physological Sequencing, the HPTModel, the Spectrum of Usability, and the HPTMethod. We do not expect first time students to retain all of this information. There are however key elements that first time students are instructed to take special note off, in the hope that this key information will be retained following completion of this, the first of their five practical courses. Each practical course is 40 hours, with one building upon the other. Horse owners that wish to be exposed to the basic principles of AEP will find attending one five day course very beneficial. All in all yesterday was excellent. Enthusiastic students, a positive learning environment, and a topic we are all passionate about, what more could you ask for?

Fall Applied Equine Podiatry Course

Today is the first day of the fall AEP course being held in Ocala, Florida. It is always encouraging to meet horseowner, farriers, and veterinarians that are seeking knowledge and that are open minded to new ideas. I am excited to be including information and education on achieving dynamic balance. This will be the first course in the U.S.A. in which I will be using the newly released "Dynamic Balance Hoof Level". More on the level to come. It' going to be a great course.