IE20120093U1

IE20120093U1 - Sheep shoe

Info

Publication number: IE20120093U1
Application number: IE2012/0093A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Mcgrath Connor; Mcgloin Shaun
Filing date: 2012-02-23
Publication date: 2013-11-06

Abstract

ABSTRACT The invention relates to a shoe-type apparatus to be worn on the hoof of an infected animal to provide the hoof with a continuous supply of treatment. The shoe is suitable for use in the treatment of all hoofed—anima1 diseases, especially in the treatment of diseases such as foot rot and orf.

Description

The field of invention The present invention relates to a shoe apparatus for hoofed animals, and to a shoe apparatus for sheep in particular, to be worn on the hoof of an infected animal to provide the hoof with continuous supply of treatment, which may be termed generically as a shoe. The shoe is suitable in the treatment of all hoofed animals diseases especially in treatment of diseases commonly like foot rot, and orf.

Background to Invention Animals with hooves especially sheep can be infected with many hoof diseases. Foot rot is one of the most commonly devastating hoof diseases in sheep farming. It is caused by a synergistic action of two anaerobic bacteria, along with environmental conditions like warmth, and mud conducive to their growth and spread. Spread occurs best when temperatures range from 40-70°F and the environment is wet.

The bacteria that causes foot rot is spread from infected sheep to the ground, manure, bedding, where it is then picked up by non infected sheep.

The process of treating hoof foot illnesses such as foot-rot can be a major challenge to treat and cure. Existing methods of treatment to sheeps' feet consist of a foot bath, chemical spray and treatment by injection such as penicillin. These treatments may have to be repeated and with constant inspection depending on the severity of the foot rot, making the treatment expensive and very time consuming. lE‘l20093 The use of footbaths to soak the sheep hooves is a widely used method of treating foot rot. The three most popular treatment solution used in sheep footbaths are diluted solutions like formalin, copper sulphate (blue stone) and zinc sulphate.

However footbaths need to be used correctly to be effective. Sheep need to be walked through the footbath for a period of time. The footbath should ideally be 6m long and contain a large volume of correct concentration of treatment solution and adequate height to ensure the hoof is fully immersed in the solution. This is a very time consuming and costly procedure and may not be very effective.

As a result a hoof treatment apparatus that solves the aforementioned problems is desired. 151200Statement of the Invention The purpose ofthe invention is a shoe apparatus that provides an effective solution in the treatment of hoof diseases like foot rot.

The present invention relates to covering an infected hoof and using a foot rot solution in a more effective way. The constant soaking of a hoof with a disease treatment solution according to the present invention results in a more effective way of treating hoof rot when compared to prior art techniques and further prevents the spread of the disease to non—infected animals.

According to the invention there is provided a shoe apparatus according to claim 1 and a method of treating hoof rot in hoofed animals according to claim 14.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a shoe apparatus comprising a hoof wrap/cover means, a base, a soakage pad apparatus located internally in said shoe apparatus; and fastening mechanism.

The shoe apparatus according to the present invention holds the disease treatment solution securely and effectively to the animals hoof until the animal has been cured.

The shoe apparatus covers the infected hoof and has a great advantage in that it prevents the spread of the infection to other animals.

The shoe apparatus consists of two main components: The first main component the shoe is a breathable material designed hoof shoe that is securely attached to the animal with an infected hoof.

The second main component of the shoe is a soakage pad apparatus strategically located inside the shoe that allows for continuous supply of infection treatment solution to the hoof. The sheep shoe apparatus holds the required amount of treatment solution and which is applied directly to '4' the hoof, thereby reducing the amount of solution used compared to prior art methods.

The sheep shoe apparatus is a tubular structure wrap design that covers and treats an animal hoof that has been infected with a hoof disease like foot rot. The sheep shoe apparatus can improve the healing process of an infected hoof as it ensures that the hoof is being treated continuously and does not need to be examined and treated numerous times throughout a day, which can be difficult and time consuming especially among large or numerous livestock or on a one person operated farm.

The base of the shoe can be constructed of a strong, durable, flexible suitable material like rubber. The suitable material offers comfort and ease of motion to the animal.

The base can incorporate a groove or groves to facilitate a grip for the animal and is suitable for different terrain conditions. The groove can be of different sizes to ensure comfort to the animal. However it should be noted that in another embodiment of the sheep shoe apparatus there may be no grooves as grip is not required.

The base can be attached to hoof wrap/cover means of the shoe by any suitable mechanism like glue, weld or stitching. The shoe is designed to be suitable for different terrain and environment conditions.

In another embodiment the base and the hoof wrap/cover means of the shoe can be of a one-piece or unitary construction, for example constructed of a joined moulded flexible structure of suitable material like rubber or plastic.

The shoe apparatus is designed to treat hoof infected diseases by use of breathable material that is durable, flexible, enable motion, comfortable, and easy to attach to an animal hoof. The shoe apparatus is suitable for |E1200 animal motion and comfort. The shoe apparatus is designed to be easy to U88.

The structure of the shoe apparatus allows for easy size adjustment to suit the leg and hoof of an animal. A suitable mechanism can be attached to the main embodiment of the shoe apparatus that can be pulled and tightened to secure the shoe to the animal, like a lace.

The shoe apparatus may comprise a strap with a hook and loop fastening mechanism to allow for secure attachment of the shoe to the animal under the knee, which allows for easy movement.

The strap is opened when fitting the animal with the shoe and closed securely when completed. The hook and loop fastening arrangement comprises any suitable mechanism like Velcro, clip, button that will allow the shoe to stay on the animal for the required treatment duration. The strap allows the animal ease of movement without the shoe falling off.

In another embodiment the shoe may have a secure strap situated on any part of the shoe. The strap can securely hold the shoe in place on the treated animal.

In another embodiment the sheep shoe apparatus may be constructed of a flexible elastic material that can be securely attached to the animal without needing a strap and hook and fasten mechanism.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a strategically located internal soakage apparatus placed in the base of the shoe apparatus.

The present invention aims to provide the infected hoof with a constant supply of treatment solution and this is achieved by the soakage pad apparatus.

The internal soakage apparatus may be made of a suitable material like a sponge that is removed from the shoe and is soaked with the disease treatment solution and then placed back inside the sheep shoe apparatus.

|E120093. '6' The internal soakage apparatus can treat an animal for a day or numerous days depending on the quantity of treatment solution and the severity of the infection.

The internal soakage apparatus can also act as a cushion between the ground and the infected hoof and give the animal relief from the hoof infection.

In another embodiment the soakage apparatus may be attached to the main body of the shoe apparatus and the treatment solution can be poured directly into the shoe, or already contain the required treatment.

In another embodiment the internal soakage apparatus may be a separate pre soaked component that contains the required soakage amount and can be placed in the shoe when needed. The internal pre soaked soakage apparatus can be removed when the infection has cleared.

The internal soakage apparatus can be constructed of a biodegradable material and can degrade when the hoof has been treated. This makes the treatment very easy to use and there is no need to remove the internal soakage apparatus.

The shoe apparatus can be reused to treat an animal. The shoe apparatus should be thoroughly cleaned before using it on another animal. This makes the sheep shoe cost effective and a valuable hoof disease solution.

However it should be noted that in another embodiment, the shoe apparatus can be completely constructed of a biodegradable material.

The biodegradable shoe can be fitted to the animal and there is no need to remove the shoe as when the hoof has been treated the shoe will dispose naturally. A biodegradable shoe is convenient and an ideal solution for a user who has time constraints.

The shoe apparatus is available in different sizes to suit different animals and different breeds of animals.

|E120093 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shoe apparatus is a sheep shoe apparatus. lE120093 ‘B’ Brief description of the drawings These and other characteristics of the invention will be clear from the following description ofa preferential form of embodiment, given as a non- restrictive example, with reference to the attached drawing wherein: Figure 1. shows a perspective view of the shoe apparatus.

A detailed description follows of a preferential embodiment with reference to the attached drawing, Fig 1 wherein the shoe apparatus is indicated at 1.

Referring to figure 1, there is illustrated a shoe apparatus for hoofed animals, in particular, for sheep. The sheep shoe 1 is constructed of a breathable, flexible material like leather in a tubular hoof wrap apparatus 2. The shape and material of the shoe apparatus 1 allows for an effective, functional solution to treating hoof diseases.

The tubular hoof wrap/cover means 2 sufficiently covers the whole of the hoof and extends to below the animals knee to provide ease of motion and secure attachment. The hoof is covered to prevent the spreading of the infection and holds an internal soakage apparatus 4 securely in the shoe. The extended length ofthe shoe may vary depending on the type of animal, hoof infection and/or motion required.

The material of the sheep shoe apparatust may be constructed of a stronger, waterproof, or more abrasive material if desired.

In a preferred embodiment of the sheep shoe apparatus 1, the base 3 is attached to the tubular hoof wrap apparatus 2 of the shoe. The base 3 is constructed of a strong, durable and flexible material like rubber. The addition of the base offers more comfort, stability and durability to the shoe and is suitable in different terrain and environment conditions.

The base 3 may incorporate a groove or grooves to facilitate a grip for the animal when in motion in all different terrain conditions. The groove may IE12oo93 vary in different sizes to ensure comfort to the animal. However it should be noted that in another embodiment of the shoe apparatus there may be no grooves, as grip is not required.

The base 3 is attached to the tubular hoof wrap apparatus 2 by any suitable mechanism like glue, weld or stitching.

In another embodiment the base 3 and the tubular hoof wrap apparatus 2 can be constructed of a joined one piece or more moulded flexible structures of suitable material like rubber or plastic. This would allow for ease of cleaning after use. Also a one piece or more moulded joined tubular hoof wrap 2 and base would have an additional advantage of cost effective manufacturing and less production assembly.

The purpose of shoe apparatus according to the present invention is to provide a constant supply of treatment to the infected hoof. In the illustrated figure 1 shoe apparatus 1, the soakage pad apparatus 4 is strategically placed in the base of the shoe. The soakage apparatus 4 baths the infected hoof in the treatment solution until the shoe is removed.

The soakage apparatus 4 ensures that the hoof is being treated effectively. Conventionally, hoof diseases like foot rot are generally treated by walking the animal through a foot bath oftreatment solution for a few minutes and this process may have to be repeated several times for a period of a few days until the infection has been cured. This is a very time consuming method of treating foot rot and requires a large volume of treatment solution. The sheep shoe apparatus 1 according to the present invention overcomes these problems and is an effective method of treating foot rot with a small quantity of treatment solution.

The soakage apparatus 4 is constructed of any suitable soakage material that will provide treatment to the infected hoof for the duration required.

The soakage apparatus 4 may vary in thickness depending on the severity of the infected hoof and comfort required for the animal.

In another embodiment the soakage apparatus 4 may incorporate an indent or series of indents that can fit directly into the hoof to treat the lE120093 infection more effectively and quicker. The indent can assist in opening out the hoof to ensure that the whole hoof, inner and outer hoof can be treated with the treatment solution.

In another embodiment the soakage apparatus 4 may be attached permanently to the tubular hoof wrap of the sheep shoe apparatus and the correct quantity of treatment solution can be poured directly into the shoe, or the sheep shoe apparatus 1 can be supplied with the required treatment in it.

In another embodiment the internal soakage apparatus 4 may be a separate disposable component that contains the required soakage dose and can be placed in the shoe when needed. The internal soakage apparatus 4 can be removed when the infection has cleared.

The internal soakage apparatus 4 can be assembled to be pre soaked and contain the required treatment solution for an animal and constructed of a biodegradable material and can degrade when the hoof has been treated.

This makes the treatment very easy to use and there is no need to remove the internal soakage apparatus 4.

In the preferred embodiment 1 the tubular hoof wrap apparatus 2 is designed to allow the sheep shoe apparatus 1 to fit a range of animal leg and hoof sizes. A configured slit 5 ensures that it can be tighten or loosen to ﬁt a wide range of animal leg sizes.

According to the second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of treating hoof rot in hoofed animals comprising the steps according to claim 14 of providing a shoe apparatus according to claims 1- 13, applying a treatment solution to the soakage pad apparatus; and ﬁtting the shoe onto the animal to be treated.

Further advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

|E120093 Figure 1 illustrates the configured slit 5 as a V shape with eyelets 8 suitable for a lace. The lace can be pulled tightly or loosely to secure the sheep shoe apparatus1 to the animals’ foot. The lace can also be run through the top of the tubular hoof wrap apparatus 2 if desired. The configured slit 5 can vary in shape and can contain any suitable hook and loop fastening mechanism to secure the shoe to the animal.

The shoe apparatus 1 has two vertical straps 6 attached to the tubular hoof wrap apparatus 2 by linking it to an upper belt strap 7. The vertical straps 6 are attached to the tubular hoof wrap apparatus 2 of the sheep shoe apparatus 1 by stitching or by any suitable method.

The top of the vertical straps 6 are folded over and stitched to create an eye or loop 9 to allow it to hold the belt strap 7. The arrangement of the loop 9 detail in the vertical strap 6 to hold the belt strap 7 is not critical to the performance ofthe sheep shoe apparatus and can be constructed by any suitable means.

In the shoe apparatus1, the aforementioned belt strap 7can be constructed of the same material as the tubular hoof wrap apparatus 2, with a hook and loop fastening apparatus to allow for extra secure attachment ofthe shoe to the animal under the knee. The strap 7 allows for different motion stipulations and ensures that the sheep shoe apparatus 1 remains on the animal.

The strap 7 is connected to the tubular hoof wrap 2 of the sheep shoe apparatus 1 by vertical straps 6 that are folded over at the top to allow the belt strap to go through and be held in position. The belt strap 7 can be free running along the vertical strap 6 to allow for ease of motion for the animal, or preset if necessary for secure ﬁtting to animal.

The strap 7 is opened when fitting the animal with the shoe and closed securely when completed. The hook and loop fasten on the belt strap 7 comprises of any suitable mechanism like Velcro, clip, button, that will allow the shoe to stay on the animal for the required treatment duration.

IE120093 In another embodiment strap 7 is constructed with an inner or complete wall of suitable cushion material to add comfort to the animals leg and not to distress the animal been treated.

In another embodiment the shoe apparatus 1 may not include a belt strap 7 or vertical strap 6, but may have a secure strap situated on any part of the tubular hoof wrap 2 ofthe shoe apparatus 1 or an extra hook and loop fastening apparatus that can securely hold the shoe in place on the treated animal.

In another embodiment the shoe apparatus 1 may be constructed of a flexible elastic material that can be securely attached to the animal without the need of a strap and a hook and loop fasten mechanism. in the foregoing description only certain embodiments of the invention have been described. The present invention however is not limited to the embodiments described or illustrated, as modiﬁcations, equivalents, alternative materials and additions that can be contemplated by those skilled in the art shall also be considered as falling within the scope ofthe present invention.

Additionally, while the preferred embodiment describes in particular the application for sheep and hoof diseases, those skilled in animal care will recognise that the present state of art can have applications to any animal with a hoof and leg anatomy and is not limited to treating diseases.

Claims

1. A shoe 1 apparatus for hoofed animals comprising: hoof wrap/cover means, a base, a soakage pad apparatus located internally in said shoe apparatus; and a fastening mechanism.

2. The shoe according to claim 1 wherein said fastening mechanism comprises a hook and loop.

3. . The shoe according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the said soakage pad apparatus is a sponge.

4. The shoe according to any of claims 1-3 wherein the said soakage pad apparatus contains a hoof treatment solution.

5. The shoe according to any of claims 1-4 wherein said soakage apparatus is removable attachment to said hoof wrap/cover means.

6. . The shoe according to any of claims 1-4 wherein the said soakage pad apparatus is fixed to said hoof wrap/cover means.

7. The shoe according to any of claims 1-6 wherein said soakage pad apparatus further comprises one or more indents.

8. . The shoe according to any of claims 1-7 further comprising a tightening mechanism and a configured slit in said hoof wrap/cover means.

9. . The shoe according to any of claims 1-8 wherein said base is attached to said hoof wrap/cover means. |E120093 ‘I4’

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16. The shoe according to any of claims 1-9 wherein said base and said hoof wrap/cover means are of a one—piece, unitary construction. The shoe according to any of claims 1-10 wherein said base further comprises one or more grooves. The shoe according to any of claims 1-11 further comprising vertical straps attached to the hoof wrap/cover means and linking the hoof wrap/cover means to said hook and loop fastening mechanism. The shoe according to any of claims 1-12 wherein it is a sheep shoe. Method of treating hoof rot in hoofed animals comprising the following steps: 0 providing a shoe according to any of claims 1-13; o applying a treatment solution to the soakage pad apparatus; o fitting the shoe onto the animal to be treated. Method according to claim 14 wherein the step of applying the treatment solution comprises placing a pre—soaked soakage pad apparatus in the shoe. Method according to claim 14 wherein the step of applying the treatment solution comprises pouring the treatment solution directly into the shoe onto the soakage pad apparatus. .

17. llilethod according to claims 14-16 wherein the animal is a sheep