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Articles Skin burns by formalin
Therapeutical trimming
Fonctional trimming

Special orthopaedics: >Overflexion
>Overextension

Fonctional trimming means

To cut and pare the claws in order to make them function in  a "normal way" as well as possible, by reducing claws to their normal shape and proportions.

The aims of fonctional trimming are:

• getting a correct distribution of weight balance  over the adjacent claws
• getting a correct distribution of weight balance within a claw
• creating a ventilated surface to avoid anaerobic bacterian growth

To get this result we follow a 3 step routine that makes easier and clearer the task

Fonctional trimming routine (valid for hind legs)

1.   Inner claw shape
a)  Give the right length 7,5 cm - 3 inch	b)   Ensure a minimum thicknes of the sole of 0.5 mm - 1/4 inch	c) get stability
2.    Balance outer claw
a) Cut the same length than inner claw	b) get the same sole thickness than inner claw
(warning, in several exceptional cases of laminits or other deformities it is not possible without causing pain and damage) 3.    Carve axial grooves

If any abnormality is shown during this process you must proceed to therapeutical trimming

Trimming short toes correct length
Step 1)  Inner claw shape
In this case inner claw length is  correct  (7,5 cm 3 inch)	But stablity is poor as it tends to bend inwards	Just trim a thin layer to increase stability	Although outer claw is still higher,  weight does'nt concentrate  so much in tipical point

Step 2)   Balance outer claw

Trim extra length

Cut perpendicular to sole surface

Measure extra heel height

Remove extra toe and extra heel

Check heel balance

Step 3)  Carve axial groove      Remove extra horn from axial area. Respect 1/3 towards the toe

Step 4)   If outer claw is haemorragic or painy remove horn from outer claw but respect 1/3 towards the toe

Now inner claw has higher heel and takes more weight.

Step 5)   Remove loose horn Quite often there is heel horn erosion. In those cases all lose horn has to be removed