The application of a medial or lateral extension to the foot of a foal has been effective when treating angular limb deformities (ALD) and also helpful with some rotational deformities. The rationale for the use of extensions is to increase the ground surface on the medial or lateral side of the foot thereby changing the forces exerted on the joints above. The extension on one side and toward the back of the foot will support the overloaded side of the limb, i.e. will move the plane of support toward the midline to allow a more even distribution of weight over the support surface. The extension also promotes centerline breakover. The extension is made from a poly methylmethacrylate (Equilox®), fiberglass and a thin aluminum insert. The procedure outlined below is especially useful in older foals to prevent wear of the extension.

The foal's foot is placed on a paper plate and the other foot is picked up .
This will create an impression on the paper plate.


Using this outline of the foot, the desired extension can be drawn on the plate.


Be sure to form a substantial heel base. The drawing on the paper plate is used as a template to cut out the 1/8-inch aluminum insert. Multiple small holes are drilled in the aluminum insert to enhance bonding to the composite.

The foot is prepared in a routine manner for the application of the composite. The composite is mixed together with small pieces of cut fiberglass. The addition of fiberglass will add bulk and strength to the composite.


The composite is applied to the solar surface of the foot.


The aluminum insert is now pressed into the composite in the desired position.


The insert is covered with another layer of composite.
The area between the outer edge of the insert and the hoof wall is now filled in with composite.

The above shows the completed extension and the heel base created.

The above shows the amount of ground surface that has been provided.