A Mule Named Juan...

From Jim: We have a number of mules at Home At Last. Our most senior mule is Juan. He came to us with an incredibly severe injury. The flexor tendon had torn off of the coffin bone in his left rear foot. Unable to turn his foot over, Juan walked on the face of his hoof. Our vet felt, based on the amount of unworn growth of the hoof shell, that this had been the case for over two years. Without the sole of the foot coming into contact with the ground, there was no way for the suspension of his leg to work. The entire load was carried by the remaining flexor tendon. When it finally failed, as it surely would, Juan would be unable to use his leg and would have to be euthanized. There wasn't a ready correction for this condition. We had some radiographes taken. Dr. Darling, Aaron-our farrier-and I studied the problem and agreed to try a very experimental shoe. It would have a large spoon-like rocker extending well past the toe and caulks to prevent over-stressing the contracted ligaments and tendons. These caulks would be slowly shortened over time to allow things to stretch out and begin to work again. There was a chance the joints had fused and that would be the ball game. Using the X-rays for a reference, Juan's foot was trimmed to a more normal shape and length and the shoe was nailed on. To help with the discomfort of the process, Juan was given some bute for the next days. Slowly, the spoon/rocker levered the foot towards the sole down position. The protective caulks stopped dangerous over stretching. Juan could once again move on the suspension his leg needed. After several months, we tried Juan without the special shoe. Without the mechanical help of the rocker, his foot simply couldn't turn over. A new shoe was fabricated which provided the needed assist, but was less intrusive to Juan's stride. He is now quite comfortable, very mobile, can move forward in all gaits-even a run, and is a happy guy. Juan is also a big lover. He fully expects to be petted at every opportunity. He likes to rest his head against your chest and have his beautiful face rubbed. Juan is a beloved member of the sanctuary. He greets our visitors and, for many, is the first mule they've ever known. He's a wonderful ambassador for us and for his kind. I start most every morning with some time with Juan. We really love this old guy a lot!