Equi-Pak CS
What is Equi-Pak CS?
Equi-Pak CS is our popular Equi-Pak infused with Copper Sulfate
used in the treatment of thrush.
When should I use Equi-Pak CS?
Equi Pak CS can be used on most cases of thrush and at the white
line where you have stretching and bacteria present.
Does it set differently than the regular Equi Pak?
Equi-Pak CS takes a bit longer to set, 45-60 seconds. As always,
temperature plays a part in set times. The material
will set faster in hotter climates and take longer when it
is cold. Please refer to the application directions for hot
and cold weather suggestions.
When should I not use Equi Pak CS?
Do not cover up thrush cases where you have any bleeding or
there is the presence of white necrotic tissue.
How do I prepare the sole for application of Equi-Pak CS?
Sole and frog prep should be the same as usual. Trim and conservatively
pare out the sole. Remove any thrush and bacteria areas with
hoof knife and conservatively trim the frog to remove any
thrush. For working horses, the use of Vettec Mesh with
the shoe is recommended.
Should I dry the foot before application of Equi-Pak CS?
Absolutely, you should always dry the foot before application
of either the regular Equi-Pak or the new Equi-Pak CS.
Does Equi-Pak CS provide the same support as the regular
EP?
Equi-Pak CS sets up a bit softer than the regular Equi-Pak but
will provide support for thin soled, sensitive feet.
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Sil-Pak
What is Sil-Pak?
Sil-Pak is a fast setting, high-grade liquid silicone dispensed
under an equine pad in order to completely fill all airspace
and provide cushion.
How long does it take Sil-Pak to set?
Sil-Pak sets in one minute at between 65°F and 85°F. Warmer
temperatures may speed up set time. Cooler temperatures
may slow set time.
Does SilPak bond to the foot?
Sil-Pak does not bond to the foot, and when used with a hospital
plate, is removable for treatment.
Will SilPak migrate or come out?
No. Though it does not bond to the foot like Equi-Pak,
Sil-Pak flows into every contour of the foot. This prevents
it from moving around and being displaced under the horse’s
weight.
Does Sil-Pak get hot?
Sil-Pak generates almost no heat.
Can I use Sil-Pak without a pad?
Sil-Pak is designed for use with a pad or hospital plate since
it does not bond to the sole and frog.
How long does Sil-Pak last?
Sil-Pak should last the life of the shoeing cycle, and remains
flexible indefinitely.
What effect does Sil-Pak have on the sole and frog?
Sil-Pak leaves a clean, well conditioned sole and frog primarily
because it does not contain acids often found in other low
grade silicones, such as those found in hardware stores and
home centers. When acid based silicones are placed against
the sole and frog, the acid does what acids do, break down
whatever it comes in contact with. The result is a cheesy,
smelly sole and frog.
Can I use any type of pad with Sil-Pak?
Yes, Sil-Pak can be used with any pad or hospital plate that
leaves space between the sole and the pad .
Can Sil-Pak be used on laminitic or founder cases?
Sil-Pak is designed to fill space and provide cushion. When
true support is needed, Equi-Pak and Equi-Build are much better
at absorbing and displacing load and vibration. Founder
and Laminitis cases should always be treated under the guidance
of a qualified farrier and/or equine veterinarian.
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Equi-Build
What is Equi-Build used for?
Equi-Build is designed to share the load with the hoof wall
to promote fast heel, sole and frog growth.
Will it help with contracting heels?
Yes, it will stop heels from contracting, but generally won't
spread them.
Does Equi-Build help with sand migration?
Yes, it adheres to the sole to seal out all forms of moisture
and debris.
Do I need to use the Equi-Mesh?
No, but it can be used for added insurance for wet or rough
conditions.
Will Equi-Build help on chronic wall cracks?
Yes, it takes enough of the load off the wall to allow the cracks
to grow out.
How long does it take to set?
It takes about 3 minutes to set.
How do I remove the material?
Use your pull-offs to remove the material.
How long do I use this material on the horse?
Generally you'll use this for 1 or 2 shoeing cycles, until you
get the hoof angle where you want it. From there, your proper
trimming will take care of the rest.
How do I place this material in the sole?
There are several methods. Please see the application page on this site
for details.
Doesn't this put too much pressure on the sole and frog?
No, because the material is self-leveling it fills in all the
voids so there are no pressure points, and the foot is completely
packed.
Can it be used on foundered or laminitic horses?
Equi-Build has been used very successfully on foundered and
laminitic horses.
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Equi-Pak Hoof Packing Material
Do I have to use a pad with this material?
Equi-Pak can be used with or without a pad.
How do I use it without a pad?
After the shoe is nailed on, scrub the sole with denatured alcohol
and DRY thoroughly. Apply Equi-Pak onto the sole, hold the
hoof for 30 seconds and release. Note: If
wet conditions are expected, tack on a piece of Equi-Mesh
as added insurance.
Does Equi-Pak leave a "Cheesy Sole " like silicone?
No, the sole is left in great condition. It pares out beautifully.
Does Equi-Pak absorb shock better than silicone?
Yes. Silicone simply transfers shock up the leg while Equi-Pak
displaces it.
Can the material be loaded to ground level?
Yes. After the shoe is nailed on, simply hold a plastic pad
over the shoe and dispense the material at the heels, and
fill it up to the heels or bulbs. Note: Equi-Pak
Hoof Packing will adhere to Foam Boards, leather and rubber
pads, as well as some types of polyethylene pads. Cover the
pad where the Equi-Pak will contact it.
Will the material change shape after time?
No, once Equi-Pak sets it stays the same shape until removed.
Does Equi-Pak generate any heat?
Yes, a very small amount.
Hint: In extremely hot conditions it's best to cool the material
before dispensing, as it may go off hotter than normal.
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SuperFast
Is the material safe to use?
Yes, there are no fumes or odors, and the material is nontoxic.
Does SuperFast give off heat?
Yes, but not as much as acrylics. The thicker the application
of material, the more heat you generate. On large restorations,
apply in layers.
How long does it take to set?
There are two set times. The first is at 2-3 minutes. At this
point the material is weight-bearing and the hoof can be put
down. The final cure is 12-15 minutes.
Can I nail into it?
Yes, because of the unique urethane properties, SuperFast will
nail just like the natural hoof wall.
Will it load up my rasp?
No, the repair will rasp just like the hoof.
Can it be nipped?
Yes, it will trim just like the hoof and it won't be brittle
like acrylics.
Does it have to be wrapped to cure?
No, SuperFast cures in the presence of air or wrapped.
Do I have to add reinforcing mesh tapes?
No, the material is strong enough without the need for reinforcing
tapes.
What should I use to clean the hoof?
Use denatured alcohol.
Hint: For optimum results, use a heat gun or hair dryer to make
sure all the solvent in the tubules of the hoof wall are dry.
Can you medicate the material?
We do not medicate the material because we don't recommend covering
up any site that may become infected. Let the site heal and
then repair.
Can SuperFast be used to glue on foal extensions and glue-on
shoes?
Absolutely, it works great! Use SuperFast .
No, we don't recommend hot-shoeing with SuperFast .
Do I have to use a mix tip?
Yes, this will give you a much stronger material over hand mixing.
Do I have to use your tips?
Yes, they are designed to mix a urethane where the others are
designed to mix acrylics. You'll get the equivalent of a hand
mix if other tips are used.
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Adhere™
What is the purpose of Adhere™?
Adhere™ is a multi-purpose hoof wall restorative and adhesive
to glue on clipped aluminum, steel, and polyurethane horseshoes.
It is formulated to be as close to the natural texture and flexibility
of hoof wall as possible. It rasps, nips, nails, and allows
clenching, just like the hoof.
What should I use to clean the hoof?
Normally, just rasp, brush, and dry the hoof thoroughly using
a heat gun or hair dryer.
Note: ONLY IF THE HOOF IS OILY, moisten a cloth with Denatured
Alcohol, wipe the area being careful not to saturate, and then
dry completely. DO NOT USE ACETONE!
How long does Adhere™ take to set?
Adhere™ has a set and a cure time. The set time is approximately
1 minute and it becomes weight bearing at approximately 3 1/2
to 4 minutes. The cure time from application is a total of 8
minutes.
Can I hot shoe with Adhere™?
No, Adhere™ is a urethane plastic and CANNOT be used for
hot shoeing.
I notice Adhere™ is now available in both black and
beige. Is the any difference other than color?
No difference at all.
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Sole-Guard
What is Sole-Guard?
Sole-Guard is a fast setting, 30 second, liquid urethane hoof
protection material providing a durable, shock absorbent, support
that retains its shape and flexibility indefinitely. Sole-Guard
is designed for use without shoes and adheres to the sole sealing
out moisture and debris, protecting both the frog and the sole.
Once removed Sole-Guard will leave the sole in excellent condition.
When
should I use Sole-Guard?
Sole-Guard is perfect for providing
protection for horses without shoes when riding rough terrain,
horses transitioning from shoes to bare feet and for late term
broodmares who need that extra support.
How long does it take
Sole-Guard to set?
Sole-Guard has an initial set time of 30 seconds
with a final cure around 5-6 minutes.
How do I remove Sole-Guard
from the foot?
You can remove Sole-Guard from the foot by using
a hoof pick, or a pair of pull-offs. As the sole grows and exfoliates,
the material will loosen up after several weeks.
Can Sole-Guard
be filled to ground level?
Sole-Guard should be filled to ground
level but not above that point. If filled above ground level,
the horse is likely to "catch" the material at the toe and pull
it out. Most
often you will want to fill to the white line.
Does Sole-Guard
give off heat as it sets?
Sole-Guard gives off little to no heat
while curing. In the summer you will notice a bit of heat but
nothing that can harm the sole.
Does the material change shape
over time?
No, once set Sole-Guard will retain its shape until
you remove it.
How long will Sole-Guard stay in the foot?
It all depends on
the conditions you are in and the activity level of your horse.
On horses that are used regularly, you should be getting 3 weeks
on average out of an application.
Can this be used as a "spare
tire" on the trail?
Most definitely. Sole-Guard can be applied to a foot
that has thrown a shoe. Simply brush any dirt from the sole,
make sure it is dry and apply. See the application directions
for this technique.
How do you apply Sole-Guard to the sole?
Please refer to the
application pages on the web site. It's
fast and easy.
Do I have to use the plastic during application?
The use of
the Contouring Plastic makes it very easy to see where the material
is being spread and it does not stick to the Sole-Guard material. In
a pinch you can use other flexible materials but they will probably
adhere to the material and have to be worn off.
How long do I
have to hold up the foot?
Normally only for about one minute. It
will be weight bearing in about 30 seconds but we recommend
giving it another 30 seconds or so before you put the foot down.
Can I use Sole-Guard on a sore footed horse?
Sole-Guard was designed to provide extra protection for a sound footed horse
that is unshod. If your horse is sound and has normal depth of sole, Sole-Guard
is perfect. If your horse has very thin soles or is already bruised on the
sole we suggest waiting to use Sole-Guard until the bruising has gone away
or the sole has thickened up some.
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