Method and apparatus for in situ and molded horseshoeing

Abstract

Described herein are methods, devices, and formulations for making and using synthetic hoof shoes, repairing an animal's hooves, and/or providing prophylactic measures for protecting an animal's hooves. In general a synthetic material is applied either in situ to the hoof area of a hoofed animal or is used to produce a pre-molded shoe to be attached to the hoof area of a hoofed animal.

1 . A method of preparing an apparatus for use on a hoof, comprising: 
 dispensing a synthetic, malleable material into a mold;    allowing the synthetic, malleable material to harden;    attaching the hardened, synthetic material to an animal hoof; and    shaping the synthetic material.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the hardened synthetic material attached to the animal hoof is a horseshoe.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the hardened synthetic material attached to the animal hoof is a hoof block.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the hoof block is useful for treating an animal with a crushed heel.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the hoof block may be used to elevate the crushed portion of an animal heel.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the synthetic, malleable material is dispensed by a dispensing gun.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the synthetic, malleable material hardens in two to three minutes.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the synthetic, malleable material is a urethane.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the synthetic, malleable material is a resin.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the hardened, synthetic material is attached to the animal hoof with an adhesive.  
   
   
       11 . A method of protecting hooves, comprising: 
 coating a healthy hoof of an animal with a synthetic, malleable material; and    allowing the synthetic, malleable material to harden and bind to the hoof for prophylactic hoof protection.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising shaping the synthetic material after hardening.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the synthetic, malleable material is a urethane.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the synthetic, malleable material is a resin.  
   
   
       15 . A prophylaxis for hooves, comprising: 
 a hardened synthetic material coated onto a healthy animal hoof for prophylactic hoof protection.    
   
   
       16 . The prophylaxis of  claim 15  wherein the synthetic, malleable material is a urethane.  
   
   
       17 . The prophylaxis of  claim 15  wherein the synthetic, malleable material is a resin.