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Footcare for Zoo Ungulates (Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program)

Zoo hoofstock species can benefit from routine hoof trims, as is a standard of care in domestic species like horses and cattle. While there are limited studies describing foot shape and foot health of free-ranging ungulates, differences in diet, exercise, substrate, and other factors may contribute to hoof overgrowth and associated lameness for zoo hoofstock species. To manage and appropriately trim hoof overgrowth requires an understanding of how the hoof wall, heel, and sole can grow and distort, and should

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Fancy Footwork: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Giraffe Herd Trains for Farrier Work and X-rays

Nearly eighty percent of all giraffe sedation procedures are related to foot care. Most of the knockdowns are done once the giraffes display clinical signs of lameness, hoof overgrowth, abscesses, or swelling. Statistics show that ten percent of giraffes put under anesthesia do not make it through the procedure. These alarming statistics demonstrate the necessity for institutions housing captive giraffes to develop ways to safely provide hoof care and maintenance with non-sedated giraffes. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ) recently started

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