10/12/2026
🐴 SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FOR HOOF SOLE GROWTH — PROMISING EARLY RESULTS!
On July 30, 2026, we shared a post discussing the potential use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) to stimulate hoof sole growth in horses.
Today, we’re excited to share some encouraging follow-up results from one of my broodmares!
🔬 JULY 30, 2026 — INITIAL EVALUATION & TREATMENT
My mare initially presented with significant soreness in both front feet and inadequate sole depth.
We obtained baseline hoof radiographs to document her existing sole depth before performing her first shockwave treatment.
Our treatment protocol included:
* 400 shockwave pulses (over each location) directed at the medial and lateral coronary bands and heel bulbs of both front feet.
* EasyCare Roller glue-on shoes were applied to provide additional protection and comfort due to her significant foot soreness.
* The glue-on shoes remained in place for approximately 5–6 weeks.
Importantly, no changes were made to her diet or overall management during this period.
Her diet remained consistent:
* Purina Ultium Senior
* Bermuda grass hay
* Pasture turnout
📈 OCTOBER 11, 2026 — 73-DAY FOLLOW-UP
Today, we obtained repeat hoof radiographs to evaluate changes in sole depth.
We were pleased to document measurable increases in both front feet!
RIGHT FRONT: +3.98 mm of sole depth
LEFT FRONT: +5.79 mm of sole depth
That’s nearly 4 mm of additional sole depth in the right front and almost 6 mm in the left front over 73 days!
Perhaps even more encouraging than the radiographic changes is her clinical improvement. She is now comfortably barefoot and doing exceptionally well!
We performed a second shockwave treatment today using the same protocol and plan to repeat her hoof radiographs in approximately 30 days to monitor her continued progress.
💡 WHY DOES SOLE DEPTH MATTER?
Adequate hoof sole depth is essential for protecting the sensitive structures within the hoof capsule, particularly the underlying solar corium and distal phalanx (coffin bone).
Horses with inadequate sole depth can experience increased sensitivity, bruising, and chronic foot soreness, especially when working on firm or uneven surfaces.
Increasing and maintaining adequate sole depth can significantly improve comfort and overall hoof function.
🔬 COULD SHOCKWAVE THERAPY HELP STIMULATE HOOF GROWTH?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been investigated in veterinary medicine for its potential effects on tissue healing, cellular signaling, and vascular responses.
We are interested in whether these biological effects could also positively influence hoof growth and sole development.
However, it’s important to recognize that these findings represent a single clinical case, not definitive proof that shockwave therapy stimulated additional sole growth.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We plan to continue monitoring this mare with serial radiographs and clinical evaluations following her second treatment.
Our goal is to investigate whether shockwave therapy may eventually provide another useful treatment option for horses struggling with inadequate sole depth and chronic foot soreness.
While these early results are encouraging, we believe it’s equally important to approach emerging treatments with scientific curiosity, objective measurements, and realistic expectations.
📸 RADIOGRAPH COMPARISON
TOP ROW: July 30, 2026 — Initial radiographs, prior to shockwave treatment.
BOTTOM ROW: October 11, 2026 — Follow-up radiographs documenting increased sole depth in both front feet.
We look forward to sharing additional updates as we continue evaluating this potential application of shockwave therapy!
