Vettec, a leading manufacturer of hoof care products for more than 20 years, has launched a new cartridge system for its pour-in pad products. The new, 160cc cartridge system includes a break-open cap, reinforced plungers and a triple-seal piston. These enhanced features ensure leak-free dispensing and help hoof care professionals increase efficiency by mitigating the need for tools to open the cartridge.
Placing a pour-in pad on horse's hoof
An alternative to traditional hoof pads and silicone filling is a liquid pour-in-pad made of polyurethane.
According to Anthony Woods, General Manager, Vettec, "We designed this new cartridge system based on feedback from Vettec customers. We know that efficiency is key when hoof care professionals are working with their clients. This new cartridge design will help save time and provide an advanced, reliable dispensing system for Vettec products.".
The new break-off cap design does not require tools to open the cartridge. This minimizes any potential damage to a cartridge, such as obliquely cutting off the tip or crushing the dual-dispensing channels. In addition, reinforced plungers and triple-seal pistons create a redundant sealing system. The piston features a rubber o-ring with reinforced components to push pour-in pad material forward at a consistent ratio. These features mitigate material from leaking out of the cartridges.
The new cartridge works with the existing accessories including dispensing guns, mix tips and cartridge caps.
For more information about the new cartridge, contact a Vettec dealer near you or visit Vettec
Why use Pour-in Pads on your horse?
Changing seasons, weather conditions, old age, injury, overfeeding and other conditions can all affect the way a horse moves and bears weight comfortably. Providing your horse a stable platform on which to carry itself is crucial to its long-term health. Certified Journeyman Farrier Tab Pigg recommends the use of pour-in pads to provide the extra support and/or comfort that horses require as they go through life’s stages.
The old way
Historically, it was thought that anything put under a plastic or leather pad would provide protection and support and cushion the sole. This is not always the case as these products don’t bond to the sole and therefore allow moisture and debris to enter which can cause pressure and irritation ailments. Traditional packing materials also cannot absorb concussion which results in concussive forces being sent up the leg.
An alternative to traditional pads and silicone filling is a liquid pour-in-pad made of polyurethane. It’s easy to apply, sets quickly and produces soft, resilient, supportive pad materials. In addition, with products such as those from Vettec, the pad forms an immediate bond with the sole, sealing out moisture and debris. Also, it can be filled to ground level for maximum support and effectively absorbs shock and concussion.
It positions the weight-bearing load over the entire ground surface and not just the wall. This reduces the “pull” on the lamina between the hoof wall and internal structures, providing the needed support as the hooves acclimate to a variety of conditions.
Some of these materials can be applied to unshod feet as well, to offer the same protection and support.
Hints on hoof care
1. Hooves should be checked every four to eight weeks, depending on what the horse is expected to do; more often if his gait seems off or any injuries or diseases are plaguing him.
2. Don’t let her feet accumulate an excessive growth of horn, which can keep a hoof’s elastic structures from touching the ground and lead to diseased hooves.
3. Trimming hooves and selecting shoes should be consistent with the amount and type of work required of the animal, the environmental conditions and the surface the horse moves on.