AGRISCIENCE AND NATURAL RESOURCES EDUCATION CURRICULUM
(3000) Core Area: ANIMAL SCIENCE
(3180) Unit Title: EQUINE
(3189) Sub Unit Title: EQUINE HEALTH
(3189B) Topic: DEFECTS, BLEMISHES AND UNSOUNDNESSES
Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to:
Topic 3189B-A Describe common blemishes of horses.
Topic 3189B-B Describe conformation of the horse skeleton.
Topic 3189B-C List common injuries, their causes, and treatment.
Evaluation: Written test, quiz, work sheet, and/or application exam.
Interest Approaches:
1. Have a trainer come into the class and talk about hoof and leg problems and their impact on the horses' productivity and value.
CONTENT: DEFECTS, BLEMISHES AND UNSOUNDNESS (3189B)
1. BLEMISHES AND UNSOUNDNESS.
a. A blemish is anything out of the ordinary that affects the value of the horse but not its serviceability.
b. An unsoundness is any defect that affects serviceability and value.
c. Poll Evil is an unsoundness.
i. It is fluid filled sac at the back of the ears.
ii. Usually results from a severe bruise of the poll or constant irritation produced by a tightly fitting halter or bridle.
iii. This condition must always be regarded as serious.
iv. Many cases can be cured, however, in most cases treatment must be continued for many weeks under the care of a veterinarian.
d. Fistula of the withers is apt to occur when the area suffers a severe bruise or from irritation.
i. It may result from a saddle bruise or an ill-fitting collar.
ii. The fistula will first appear as a large, hot, painful, fluctuating swelling upon the wither, which finally ruptures, allowing pus to escape.
iii. Some fistulas heal leaving a large fibrous tumor, most however never heal and continue to discharge pus.
e. Sweeney is an atrophy or decrease in size of a single muscle or a group of muscles.
i. This may occur due to disuse of the muscles.
ii. May also be a result of the nerve supply being cut off.
iii. Some cases of sweeney recover after a few months of the elbow.
f. Show Boil or capped elbow is a swelling at the point of the elbow.
i. This is usually caused be constant irritation of the heel or shoe upon the point of the elbow when the horse lies with the front leg flexed underneath the body.
ii. Is seen in breeds with very long shoes and recovery usually follows proper treatment.
g. Quittor is a chronic inflammation of a collateral cartilage at the coronet.
i. The infection may arise from a puncture wound or traumatic bruise that reduces circulation in the area.
ii. Surgery is usually recommended to remove necrotic tissue. Drainage and antiseptics have been successively used, however.
h. Ringbone is extra bone growth on some of the bones of the lower leg. Usually it is a new bone growth on the pastern bone of the front foot, and only occasionally seen on the hind feet.
i. Trauma is the usual cause. Pulling, bruising or a direct blow to the phalanges can cause heat, swelling, and pain in addition to the new bone growth.
ii. Once a horse has ringbone, it will be lame. The horse will flinch when finger pressure is applied to the active area.
iii. Two types afflict horses.
(1) High ringbone.
(2) Low ringbone.
i. Sidebones are quite common. Lameness may or may not occur.
i. Most common in the forefeet and involves an ossification of the lateral cartilages just above and to the rear quarter of the coronet.
ii. Growth can occur on either side of the foot.
iii. The cause probably is concussion, causing trauma to cartilages. Unless pain and heat accompany sidebones, it does not often cause lameness.
j. Splints are new bony growth on the cannon bones usually on the inside and usually on the fore leg. When found on the rear leg, they are usually on the outside of the cannon bone.
i. It is a result of:
(1) Hard training.
(2) Malnutrition.
(3) Faulty conformation in young horses.
ii. Trauma caused by slipping, running, falling, or jumping can induce the initial trauma leading to ossification.
iii. Treatment of splints is more simple and effective than most leg disorders. Usually 30 days of rest will do.
k. Thoroughpin is a puffy swelling that can be confused with bog spavin. It is found in the web of the hock and can be distinguished by its movement under finger pressure from one side of the leg to another.
i. The condition is not serious.
ii. Treatment with liniments and massage may reduce swelling.
l. Wind-puffs have many names.
i. May be called:
(1) Wind-gall.
(2) Road-gall.
(3) Road-puff.
(4) Wind-puff.
ii. This defect is a harmless swelling of a bursa. The bursae just above the pastern joints in fore and rear legs are affected.
iii. This is much more common in young, light-legged breeds of horses than in draft horses.
iv. It is caused by working on a hard surface, racing, etc. It is common in any hard-working horse, especially on rough terrain.
m. Some other defects worth mentioning include:
i. Quittor which is a decay of the lateral cartilage of the foot, which results in a discharge of pus from the coronet. This produces severe lameness.
ii. Quarter-crack or sand-crack is a vertical split in the wall of the hoof which results from a dry or brittle hoof or improper shoeing.
iii. Navicular disease is an inflammation of the small navicular bone and bursa inside the hoof just behind the coffin bone and small pastern bone.
2. LAMENESS.
a. Lameness is any irregularity in gait.
i. It results from moving with pain or difficulty.
ii. It may make a horse worthless.
iii. Any lameness lowers the value of the horse.
b. Lameness may be detected by examining the horse in a standing position. If the lameness is severe enough, the horse will refuse to place any weight on the limb.
i. "Pointing," or placing the limb in an unnatural position indicates pain exists.
c. It may also be detected when the horse is walking, but the symptoms are accentuated during a trot.
i. Often there is a sinking or "nodding" of the hip or head as the sound limb hits the ground.
ii. Always observe the horse from in front, behind and the side when detecting a lame horse.
3. HORSE LABORATORY.
a. General skeletal information.
i. Determining sex of the horse skeleton is possible be determining the presence of canine teeth.
(1) The canines are located in the bars of the mouth.
(2) Canines are normally present in both stallions and geldings.
(3) A very small percentage of mares may also have canines present.
ii. Determining the breed of horse.
(1) Most breeds are difficult to distinguish by the skeleton.
(2) Hot-bloods vs Cold-bloods (does not have anything to do with the blood or temperament of the horse but rather with ancestry and distinctive skull characteristics).
(a) Hot-bloods.
(i) The side view of the skull is more nearly triangular.
(ii) The eye socket is round.
(iii) Hot-bloods are Arabians and Thoroughbreds.
(b) Cold-bloods.
(i) The side view of the skull is more nearly rectangular.
(ii) The eye socket is oval or angular.
(iii) True cold-bloods are the draft breeds; Clydesdales, Belgians and Percherons.
(c) The term warm-blood describes breeds of horses whose ancestry is a mixture of hot and cold-bloods; Quarter horses, Morgans, Hanovarians, Appaloosas, etc.
iii. The skeleton used for demonstration is an Arabian mare.
(1) Absence of canines - mares.
(2) Triangular head
(3) Hot-blood
(4) Round eye socket
(5) Some Arabians may have 1 less lumbar vertebrae (5 rather than 6) and 1-2 less coccygeal vertebrae (tail).
b. Horse skeletal conformation.
i. Neck.
(1) Long and lean.
(2) This helps a horse's agility and balance.
ii. Withers, scapula and spinal processes.
(1) High and prominent.
(2) Hold the saddle.
iii. Fore limb, shoulder, arm, forearm, cannon and pastern.
(1) Side view (fore limb).
(a) Shoulder and pastern should be long and sloping.
(i) This helps to absorb the shock when the foot hits the ground.
(ii) A sloping shoulder blade opens the angle formed with the arm (humerus) at the point of the shoulder and increases the animal's length of stride.
(b) The knee should be straight.
(i) Calf-knee - back at the knee.
(ii) Buck-knee - over at the knee.
(iii) The buck-knee although unsightly is very sound, while the calf-knee predisposes the horse to severe joint problems.
(2) Front view (fore limb).
(a) A plumb-line dropped from the point of the shoulder should bisect the arm, forearm, knee, cannon, pastern and foot.
(b) Incorrect (front view).
(i) Splay footed - toes out.
1) In flight the foot deviates inward.
2) If severe a horse may strike a supporting leg with a striding leg.
(ii) Pigeon toed - toes in.
1) In flight the foot deviates outward.
2) Pigeon toed horses have a tendency to stumble.
iv. Body.
(1) Ribs should be deep and well sprung and extend well rearward.
(2) Back and loin should be short and well muscled.
v. Croup should be long and muscular.
vi. Rear limb, stifle, gaskin, cannon and pastern.
(1) Side view (rear limb).
(a) The hock joint is the critical joint of the rear limb.
(i) Sickle hocked.
1) Too much angle in the hock.
2) Predisposed to curbs.
(ii) Post legged.
1) Too little angle in the hock.
2) Predisposed to joint disorders, bog spavins, bone spavins, etc.
(2) Rear view (rear limb).
(a) A plumb line from the point of the buttocks to the ground should bisect the thigh, gaskin, hock, cannon, pastern and foot.
(b) To be correct a horse should toe out slightly from the pastern to the ground.
(c) A horse is said to move correctly when the rear cannons travel parallel to each other.
4. SOME COMMON FOOT AND LEG PROBLEMS.
a. Unsoundness - A problem in the foot or leg, either internal or external, which causes the animal to walk with an irregular gait.
b. Limp - An irregular gait.
c. Blemish - Something that is unpleasing to the eye, but does not affect the animal's way of going.
d. Abnormality - Something that is not normal.
e. Inflammation - When irritation or inflammation is set in, blood rushes to the area and white blood cells and fluid try to dispose of irritation or infection. Blood and serum gather and swelling takes place. Pain may come from pressure on nerve endings.
i. What to do for inflammation?
(1) Cold packs will slow down circulation and make horse more comfortable.
(2) Leave leg and foot alone. Don't put in training too soon.
(3) Alternate hot and cold packs.
(4) Can use a mild blister.
5. INJURIES AND OUTCOMES.
a. Puncture wound:
i. Caused by a sharp object that has penetrated the horny sole or horny frog and into the sensitive tissue.
ii. Steps in treating.
(1) Remove the object.
(2) Establish drainage.
(3) Flush out foreign material.
(4) Hot pack - pack for 30 minutes, twice daily - repeat for five days.
(5) Flush with iodine.
(6) Pack to prevent reinfection - use iodine and cotton pack.
(7) Each day remove pack, flush and soak.
(8) Must heal from inside outwardly.
(9) NEVER PUT WATER ON AN OPEN WOUND - IT WILL CAUSE PROUD FLESH.
(10) Always give antibiotic for secondary infection. Always give a tetanus shot.
(11) Shot reaction to antibiotic - use skin test or patch test.
(12) Prevention - Management - Keep the place picked up.
(13) Shoulder wounds must be drained also, and have tetanus protection, as well as secondary infections.
b. Reaction to shots and medicine.
i. Animals may react to a short, especially antibiotics.
(1) This well cause an arrest of respiratory system.
(2) May cause cell reaction called "Anaphylactic shock or Anaphylaxes.
ii. If you have a new or expensive horse, you may want your vet to run sensitivity tests before need for medication arises.
iii. Tranquilizers may cause a shot reaction.
iv. Injectable vermifuges.
c. Tetanus (lock jaw).
i. History.
(1) An age-old disease, dating back to biblical times.
(2) Common in humans and animals in U.S. Is a special problem along the Pacific Coast, and Great Lakes coastal area.
(3) Always a problem and humans should be protected at all times.
ii. Cause.
(1) Caused by a gram-stained, rod-shaped, spore-forming organism.
(2) A natural inhabitant of the gut of animals - most common in horses.
(3) Caused by a member of the Clostridium group, called "Clostridium Telani."
(4) Related organisms cause Black leg, Botulism and others.
(5) Organism will encapsulate when exposed to the air; this is called a spore. Spores can live in ground for years; this is considered a soil-borne organism.
(6) The disease "Anthrax" although no relation, is a spore-former. Anthrax spores have been found which are 5000 years old, and can still be activated and be toxic.
(7) The Clostridium group are aerobic - live without air. When passed out and are exposed to air, causes spore to form.
(8) When spore is picked up in a wound (i.e. puncture wound) and hole is filled with debris, spore will decapsulate and becomes active.
(9) Gives of a neurotoxin which will paralyze the CNS.
(10) Once symptoms appear, it is non-reversible.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) First symptom is paralysis of head area, thus the term "lock jaw."
(2) Will move to rear of the horse, causing what is referred to as "Saw horse effect."
(3) Head and tail both extended - death.
iv. Treatment:
(1) Prevention - can build an immunity with tetanus toxoid.
(2) If wound occurs in unprotected horse, Vet will give antitoxin.
v. Cure.
(1) Can be successful if wound is cleaned and tetanus shot (anti-toxin) given.
(2) No cure or treatment after symptoms appear.
vi. Prevention:
(1) Keep place cleaned up to prevent wounds.
(2) Fast action should animal become injured.
(3) Remember - prevent secondary infections.
d. Ringbone.
i. Definition.
(1) Calcification of the coffin joint (low ringbone) or of the pastern joint (high ringbone).
ii. Cause:
(1) Bones that are offset or fail to articulate properly.
(2) Trimming or shoeing foot wrong, throwing it out of balance.
(3) Excessive road shock (straight pastern angle).
(4) Outside trauma.
(5) Mineral imbalance.
(6) Joint injury.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Swelling in joint areas.
(2) Heat in the joint areas.
(3) Stiffness.
(4) Lameness.
iv. Treatment.
(1) May fire high ring bone.
(2) Blister.
(3) Remove the cause.
(4) Rest.
v. Cure.
(1) No cure.
(2) May help by using roller shoe.
vi. Prevention.
(1) Proper trimming and shoeing.
(2) Reduce road shock and trauma.
e. Side bones (Wing bones).
i. Definition.
(1) A calcification or ossification of the lateral cartilage, at the point where it articulates with the wing of the coffin bone.
ii. Cause.
(1) A coffin bone that is crooked or does not articulate properly with the pastern area.
(2) This causes undue stretch and strain on cartilage, causing a build-up of bone or mineral in the joint.
(3) Injury or trauma from outside.
(4) Wire cut in that area.
(5) Nutrition and minerals.
(6) Genetic.
(7) From crack or quittor.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Pain, soreness, swelling.
(2) Lame horse.
(3) Contracted heels.
(4) Best diagnostic tool is X-ray (radiology).
iv. Treatment.
(1) Little you can do as it is encased in the hoof - cannot fire.
(a) Blister coronary region on that side.
(b) Shift weight from that side.
(c) Can remove lateral cartilage - not worth it.
v. Cure.
(1) None.
vi. Prevention.
(1) Reduce side strain.
(2) Shoe properly.
(3) Reduce road shock.
vii. Conclusion.
(1) This is genetic in nature, and the predisposing cause is passed on.
(2) Do not breed a sideboned horse.
f. Quittor:
i. Definition.
(1) A deep-seated running sore in the coronet area.
(2) It is caused by necrosis (death and decay) of the lateral cartilage.
ii. Cause.
(1) The necrosis of the lateral cartilage.
(2) May develop from injury to coronet.
(3) May develop from gravel or severe deep quarter crack running to coronet area.
(4) May result from puncture wound in coronet area.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Severe swelling of coronet and continued running sore.
(2) May tend to heal up, then recur.
(3) A very bad, bad, smell (It smells just like necrotic lateral cartilage).
iv. Treatment.
(1) Drain, clean and treat as an open wound.
(2) Guard against tetanus and secondary infections.
(3) Keep clean and disinfected.
(4) May surgically remove lateral cartilage.
v. Prevention.
(1) Little can be done - crooked-footed horses may be more prone to develop this.
(2) Hard to do anything with, as we treat it and think we have it cured and it recurs.
g. Corns.
i. Definition.
(1) A bruise of the underlying tissue of the foot area, known as the seat of the corn area.
(2) The juncture of the hoof wall and the bars of the foot.
ii. Cause.
(1) A bruise of the sensitive tissue, causing a bruised condition characterized by a red area.
(2) Caused by shoe that is too short and turns inwardly.
(3) Contracted heels.
(4) Unbalanced feet, causing undue pressure on one or the other sides of the feet.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Tender feet - not lame, gimpy.
(2) Remove shoe - look for redness or suppuration.
iv. Treatment and cure.
(1) Pare out affected area - pack with iodine crystals, or pour iodine into infected area.
(2) Remove pressure from area.
(3) May pad in acute cases.
v. Conclusion.
(1) Main problem stems from pressure on a small localized area.
(2) Remove pressure.
h. Long Sloping Pasterns.
i. Definition.
(1) A pastern that is easy, or has a great slope it.
(2) Predisposed to weaknesses and rear tendon problems.
ii. Cause.
(1) Genetic - from weak-pasterned parents.
(2) Characteristic of certain breeds.
(3) May be birth defect.
(4) Nutrition may play a roll.
iii. Associated problems.
(1) Bowed rear tendons from over-stretch, stress and strain.
(2) Break in the angle may cause coon-footed conditions.
iv. Conclusion.
(1) Weak pasterns will break down.
(2) Weak sloping pasterns leads to tendon problems.
i. Short, Stubby Pasterns.
i. Definition.
(1) A pastern that is too steep or too upright.
(2) This may predispose animal to joint and bone problems.
ii. Cause.
(1) Genetic - parents with upright, short, stubby bones in pastern area will pass this on to their offspring.
(2) Some breeds have characteristic upright pasterns.
iii. Associated problems.
(1) More road shock and concussion, leading to bone growths on bones, or calcification or ossification of joints.
(2) More shock to rider.
(3) May be predisposed to contracted heels.
(4) Shorter stride because of association with upright shoulder.
(5) Less tendon problems associated with this type of structure.
j. Contracted heels.
i. Definition.
(1) A condition in which one or both heels are drawn inwardly toward the center of the heel, causing pressure on the internal structure of the foot.
(2) Will cause pressure on circulatory system, reducing blood flow, and pressure on the sensitive structure, causing gimpyness or lameness.
ii. Cause.
(1) Main cause is that foot has lost its ability to expand, from such things as reduced frog pressure, long feet, or a horse not being able to walk properly on foot.
(2) Frog may be eroded away from disease such as Thrush.
(3) Long feet will not allow frog to come in contact with ground.
(4) Horse may be very lame from another problem and not put proper pressure on frog with each step.
(5) The major secondary problem of horses that must be kept in a sling while recovering from certain fractures or operations.
(6) Permanent damage to the foot.
(7) A horse that has had a chronic sire cut at the back of the foot will be predisposed to have continual problems with contraction of the foot.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) A visual pinch or inward rotation of one or both heels.
(2) Horse will be gimpy or walk short on that leg.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Unless there is permanent damage, the horse can usually be brought back to normal.
(2) Eliminate the cause - Example: Thrush may be the cause of the eroded frog. Must treat frog to restore its function before it can push the heels back to normal.
(3) Trim horse short and turn out. Allow natural pressure to restore foot.
(4) May use a bar shoe to put pressure on frog to expand heels.
v. Cure.
(1) Proper care and management should prevent further problems.
vi. Prevention.
(1) Be aware of potential problems.
(2) Keep frog in proper health.
(3) Keep feet properly trimmed.
vii. Conclusion.
(1) One heel only may contract.
(2) Before heels can properly expand back to normal, foot must be moist and not be allowed to crack during the expansion process.
k. Dry, flinty feet.
i. Definition - Feet that have become hard and brittle because of the lack of proper moisture balance in the feet.
ii. Cause.
(1) May be a genetic problem.
(2) Feet get very dry when horse is run under very dry conditions.
(3) Foot that is badly cracked will lose internal moisture.
iii. Treatment and prevention.
(1) Keep feet moist.
(2) Stand in mud.
(3) Tie in creek.
(4) Keep trimmed to prevent cracks.
iv. Conclusion.
(1) A dry foot is not healthy, and will be predisposed to cracks and other problems a lot more than a horse with more moist feet.
l. Drop sole.
i. Definition.
(1) A pathological loss of the natural concavity of the horny sole, caused by a downward rotation of the coffin bone, being forced downward by the bone column.
ii. Cause.
(1) The sensitive laminae loses its cohesiveness and allows the bones to push downward, pressing the sole flat with the ground.
(2) May be an inherited weakness.
(3) May be caused by laminitis.
(4) Any severe breakdown of foot cohesiveness in conjunction with road pressure may cause condition.
iii. Treatment.
(1) Horse can usually remain serviceable if properly cared for.
(2) Very subject to stone bruise.
(3) Must be shod with a foot pad on a continuous basis.
(4) If not shod, must be kept on very soft ground.
iv. Cure.
(1) None.
v. Prevention.
(1) Don't breed animals with this problem.
(2) Prevent foot pathology which may be causative factor.
m. Flat feet - over expansion.
i. Definition.
(1) Feet that spread out and become flat on the bottom.
(2) A foot that has lost the natural concavity of the sole.
(3) This is non-pathological in nature.
ii. Cause.
(1) Flat feet may develop from a foot growing too long and flaring out. Will pull the bottom of the foot out with it.
(2) Genetic - more natural in some breeds.
(3) Not trimming enough of the horny sole away when foot is trimmed or shod.
(4) Allowing the foot to get too long.
iii. Treatment.
(1) Usually not a problem except a platter-footed horse will develop.
(2) Trim close often, to bring back into shape.
(3) Horse will usually be back on his heels. Trim toes shorter than usual to set up.
iv. Prevention.
(1) Proper foot care - proper trimming.
v. Conclusion.
(1) Usually not much of a problem, except it detracts from appearance of the horse, and restricts its action and speed somewhat.
n. Cracks.
i. Definition.
(1) A vertical split in the surface of the hoof.
(2) Superficial crack - one that is in the outer layer of the horny wall. May not go clear to the coronet.
(3) Deep crack - one that has gone clear into the sensitive structure, and usually goes clear to the coronet area.
(4) Toe crack - a crack in the toe area.
(5) Quarter crack - a crack in the quarter region.
ii. Cause.
(1) May be a genetic weakness for weak feet.
(2) Feet that are too long, which results in extra pressure on the wall.
(3) Dry feet.
(4) Road shock and concussion.
iii. Prevention.
(1) Keep foot properly trimmed and/or shod.
(2) Keep foot moist.
(3) Do not ride on hard surfaces for long periods of time. Example: Black top.
(4) Note: Parade and police horses that are used daily on hard surfaces are shod with ribber shoes or special cork pads to reduce road shock, and therefor reduce foot problems.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Superficial crack.
(2) Trim low in area where crack comes in contact with ground.
(3) Scar the upper end of the crack with rasp.
(4) Stimulate growth of the coronet by use of an analgesic.
v. Deep Cracks.
(1) Relieve pressure at lower end of crack.
(2) No road shock what-so-ever.
(3) Make sure hoof is soft and healthy.
(4) Side clips on the shoe to reduce spreading.
(5) Vet may screw metal plate across the track.
(6) Vet may use dental acrylic to fuse together.
vi. Conclusion.
(1) To prevent cracks, keep feet moist and in good shape.
(2) Most all serious deep cracks are now repaired by a vet, using dental acrylic.
o. Founder or Laminitis.
i. Definition.
(1) An inflammation of, and breakdown of the sensitive laminae of the foot, caused by a general vascular change and increase of blood-pressure and volume.
(2) Founder may be acute or chronic.
ii. There are many types of flounder, but all result in a change in the vascular system.
(1) Grain flounder - caused from over-eating grain.
(2) Grass flounder - too much "hot" or strong grass.
(3) Water flounder - allowing a hot, dry horse to consume too much cold water.
(4) Wind flounder - allowing a over-heated horse to be exposed to cold, strong wind.
(5) Foaling flounder - results from trauma and infections from the foaling process.
(6) General infections - any illness resulting in high temperatures may cause flounder.
(7) Concussion.
(8) Road shock flounder.
iii. Cause.
(1) A permanent rupture of the sensitive laminae, caused by increased blood flow and increased pressure in the body.
(2) Because of close internal construction of the foot, there is little room for the vascular portion of the foot to expand, leading to a rupture of the laminae.
(3) The rupture of the laminae will allow the wall to spread and the sole to drop.
iv. Diagnosis.
(1) Should you find your horse has over-eaten, founder is the first thing you will consider.
(2) Horse will become stiff and tender-footed.
(3) Will be able to feel a large amount of heat in the hoof.
(4) Later, the feet will spread and turn up at the toes.
(5) In chronic cases, or where the cause is not so apparent, tenderness and spreading of the hoof may be first symptoms.
v. Treatment.
(1) In case of acute grain founder, vet should be called at once.
(2) Stand horse in stream, mud, or ice pack until the vet arrives to reduce blood flow to the area. Do not allow the horse to drink.
(3) After founder, feet will grow very fast, so horse must be trimmed often. May need pad to reduce tenderness.
(4) A hot of cortisone and anti-histamine.
vi. Cure.
(1) None.
vii. Prevention.
(1) Proper management.
viii. Conclusion.
(1) A horse may founder in just one or in all feet at any given exposure.
(2) Once founder occurs, the foot seldom regenerates.
(3) Proper trimming, shoeing, and padding is about all we can do.
p. Shoe Boil - Capped Elbow.
i. Definition.
(1) A soft swelling in the area of the rear of the elbow joint. It can become quite large and inflamed, and is considered a blemish.
ii. Cause.
(1) The major cause is a heel that is too long and puts constant pressure on the joint when the horse is lying down with its feet under the body.
(2) Long-heeled shoes will rub joint.
(3) Calked heels may cause irritation.
(4) The symptoms appear as general bursitis problems, with synovial fluid leaking into the tissue.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Inflamed area at the location of the elbow joint.
(2) Soft swelling in joint area.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Remove cause by trimming heels shorter than usual.
(2) May have to remove calks from shoes.
(3) Make sure shoe fits, with heels rounded and well rasped off.
(4) Reduce swelling with analgesic.
(5) Not recommended to aspirate the fluid.
v. Cure.
(1) Should make an uneventful recovery.
vi. Prevention.
(1) Proper heel length on foot and proper shoe length.
vii. Summation.
(1) Not a common problem and with proper foot care, a horseman may never encounter this problem.
q. Quicking.
i. Definition.
(1) Driving a nail into the sensitive laminae when the horse is being shod.
ii. Cause.
(1) Driving a nail into the sensitive laminae or inside the white line.
(2) May happen because of improperly shaped shoe, or wring angle when driving the nail.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Usually, when you hit the soft tissue, the horse will jerk away from the shoer.
(2) Probably will draw blood.
(3) Should the horse be shod and show up lame the next day or so, the first thing you consider is a close or misplaced nail.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Always remove nail and do not replace it until subsequent shoeings.
(2) Pour iodine in the area to reduce localized infections.
(3) Keep clean to prevent abscess.
(4) Protect against tetanus and secondary infections.
(5) Watch horse closely to detect recurring problems.
v. Cure.
(1) Should recover and be sound.
vi. Prevention.
(1) Hire a horseshoer who know what he is doing.
vii. Conclusion.
(1) The horseman who has never quicked a horse is the one who has never shod a horse.
(2) It is something that sooner or later will happen to all of us.
(3) It is usually not serious if proper first aid measures are taken.
r. Stone bruise.
i. Definition.
(1) A bruise of the sensitive sole from stepping on an object such as stone.
ii. Cause.
(1) A thin horny sole will predispose the horse to bruising.
(2) A horse with a drop sole will bruise easily.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Horse will be lame or tender.
(2) May point foot to relieve pressure on foot.
(3) Will find tender area in bottom of foot.
(4) If some of the horny sole is trimmed away, you should see a reddened area.
iv. Cure.
(1) Use pad under the shoe.
(2) Reduce road shock.
(3) Keep off the rocks and hard ground.
(4) Do not remove so much horny sole when the feet are trimmed in the future.
v. Prevention.
(1) May be prevented by leaving a little more sole on a thin-soled horse.
(2) Don't leave so much that you lose the concavity of the foot.
s. Scratches or Grease Heel.
i. Definition.
(1) A mild inflammation or mild dermatitis appearing at the rear of the fetlock area.
ii. Cause.
(1) A mild dermatitis-like eruption, usually caused by standing in very wet, muddy conditions for a long period of time.
(2) Ergot may become involved and infected.
(3) Especially a problem in horses with heavy feathering in the fetlock area where mud becomes matted down close to the skin.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Chapped skin and skin eruptions in the fetlock area.
(2) Area becomes reddened and shows mild skin cracks as if chapped.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Clean foot and trim away the infected portion of the frog.
(2) Upon trimming, treat with iodine or formalin.
(3) Move to clean, dry area, where foot is exposed to air and sunlight.
(4) Trim close and guard against contracted heels.
(5) Repeat iodine bath for several days.
v. Prevention.
(1) Do not keep horse in dirty stall.
vi. Conclusion.
(1) Thrush and its prevention is a management problem. Keep in clean stall.
(2) Stall should be cleaned, limed down, and allow the air sun to help kill organisms that are in the stall.
t. Gravel.
i. Definition.
(1) The penetration of the sensitive tissue of the foot by a small foreign object such as dirt, grain of sand, or a very small piece of stone.
(2) Entry to the sensitive area is usually gained through the white line.
ii. Cause.
(1) A foreign particle working its way into the sensitive area.
(2) Long toes or quarters may spread tissue at white line area which allows particle to enter.
(3) Usually associated with bacterial infection and pus pocket.
(4) Particle may, but not often, work its way in through a crack in the hoof.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Horse will show varying degrees of lameness, which may be gradual or show a very sudden onset.
(2) Vet can locate exact point of infection by applying a small amount of pressure around the hoof. A set of hoof testers is used for this purpose.
(3) Foot will feel warm.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Vet will locate site of infection and establish drainage either through white line or by drilling through the horny wall.
(2) Hot packs is indicated to help draw out infection.
(3) Treat as a puncture wound by giving tetanus shot and guarding against secondary infections.
(4) If left untreated, object will in time rupture out through the wall, or at the coronet. This will greatly damage hoof. If it reaches to coronet and ruptures out, coronet may be damaged, and permanent hoof scar will result.
v. Cure.
(1) Horse will favor foot for an extended period of time, perhaps up to several months.
vi. Prevention.
(1) Not 100% preventable for even the most astute horseman.
(2) Keeping the hoof trimmed and not allowing it to spread or flare out will help prevent.
(3) Do not allow white line to separate.
vii. Conclusion.
(1) A gravel condition is long and slow in healing. It may be a long period of time before horse can be used again. Often this predisposes horse to other problems such as founder, or a quittor. Hoof is usually permanently scarred or blemished.
u. Seedy toe.
i. Definition.
(1) A chronic inflammation of the sensitive laminae in the toe area, and is associated with an area of the white line.
ii. Cause.
(1) Genetic weakness may be the predisposing cause of the problem.
(2) A localized inflammation of the laminae.
(3) May be caused by infection entering the foot through the white line.
(4) Usually chronic.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Horse is usually not lame.
(2) Wall sounds hollow when tapped over infected area.
(3) Inner portion of the wall has scaled away.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Diseased area is trimmed away.
(2) Pack with strong germicide.
(3) May fume with iodine.
v. Conclusion.
(1) This is not a common problem and seems to be more common in cool damp areas such as the British Isles.
v. Wire cuts.
i. Wire cuts must be considered as two groups, as an injury of this nature above the knee and hock in the muscle area is handled differently than a cut below the knee and hock, where there is no muscling.
ii. Wire cuts above the knees and hocks.
(1) Cause.
(a) Usually caused by a horse running into a fence or across a sharp object.
(2) Treatment.
(a) If it is a fresh wound, the Vet will suture and dress with a healing medication.
(b) May ligate or tie off the bleeders.
(c) Will use gut to suture inter tissues together, as the gut will dissolve. Vet will use cotton, silk, or other thread to sew up skin, and these stitches will have to be removed.
(d) Vet will leave area open for drainage.
(e) Always give tetanus shot and guard against secondary infection.
(f) If is an old, infected wound, must remove the debris and dead tissue, and treat as an open wound. Must heal from inside - outwardly.
(g) A maggot-infested wound is not an infected wound.
(h) One of the major concerns after horse has been treated, is to guard against infection, tetanus, and development of scar tissue.
iii. Wire cuts below the knees and hocks.
(1) May have a skin laceration in cannon area which will be stitched.
(2) If horse has been pawing in the fence and gets cut on back of heel, will not stitch, but treat as an open wound.
(3) Must guard against proud flesh, which is an exuberant growth of cells.
(a) Proud flesh must be kept under control and if it develops, must be burned or cut off.
(b) Use an approved acoustic to keep under control.
(4) Do not wash wounds in water, as tissue of horses is absorbent and will pick up water. Will degenerate cells and slow healing.
(5) Protect with dressing and wrap - change dressing often.
(6) Keep wound dry and clean.
(7) Protect against tetanus and secondary infection.
(8) The prognosis for wire cuts as a group, are very hard to predict. Some large wire cuts heal up and the horse has an uneventful recovery. In other cases, a small snag will leave a horse with a permanent unsoundness.
(9) A wire cut scar is considered a blemish unless it effects his gait, then it becomes an unsoundness.
w. Blood and bleeding.
i. Constituents of blood.
(1) Solid portion.
(2) Red blood cells - carry oxygen.
(3) White blood cells - disease fighters
(4) Fibrin - aids in the clotting process.
ii. Fluid portion - plasma, transports materials.
(1) Fibrin builds a net across the lacerated area, which catches solid portions of blood and with air drying, forms a clot.
(2) Increased blood volume and pressure will slow clotting time - decrease will hasten clotting time.
(3) Cold will slow flow of blood and hasten clotting. Heat will increase clotting time.
(4) How to hasten clotting time:
(a) Apply thumb or finger pressure to pressure points to slow flow of blood, allowing clot to form.
(b) Reduce temperature at site of wound. Use ice pack and not cold water.
(c) May use tourniquet to slow blood flow and reduce pressure. Do not shut blood flow off completely.
(d) A pressure bandage will, in most cases, help a clot to form and the bleeding to stop, cut should then be treated accordingly.
(e) A veterinarian will probably ligate, (tie off) the bleeders.
iii. Notes on bleeding:
(1) Blood spreads greatly and a pint of lost blood may look like several quarts to the novice observer.
(2) Do not use blood-stop or foreign material, except as a VERY LAST RESORT. It may damage tissue. Remember that any foreign material that goes into a wound must come out before healing can take place.
x. Osslets.
i. Definition.
(1) A hard bony growth in the fetlock area.
ii. Cause.
(1) A hard ossification.
(2) May refer to any ankle bone inflammation.
(3) Caused by strain on the bones, especially in young animals, when they are in heavy training.
(4) May be more common in horses with upright pasterns.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Area will show heat and hard swelling.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Blister or fire.
(2) Take horse out of training and give complete rest.
v. Conclusion.
(1) Osslets are quite common in race horses who are in heavy training. A common problem in two year olds.
y. Wind puffs.
i. Definition.
(1) A soft swelling or puff in the area to the rear and laterally of the long pastern or fetlock area.
ii. Cause.
(1) A soft swelling as the result of a swelling in the sheath of the deep flexor tendon.
(2) Some synovial fluid involved.
(3) Basic cause is over-training at a young age.
(4) Road shock and concussion.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Soft and puffy to the touch.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Take horse out of training and allow to rest.
(2) Reduce road shock and stress.
(3) Cool out with a series of ice packs. Between ice packs, use a leg wrap.
(4) Switch to mild blister and loose wrap.
v. Conclusion.
(1) Usually make an uneventful recovery.
z. Cow hocks or cow hocked.
i. Definition.
(1) A fault in conformation of the rear legs in which the hocks are set close together, and in turn forcing the hind feet outward, when the horse is standing in its natural position.
(2) The hind limbs are base narrow down to the hocks, and base wide from the hocks to the foot.
ii. Cause.
(1) Highly inheritable and passed on through genetics.
(2) May be birth defect or congenital.
(3) Improper nutrition may cause the problem.
(4) A very young horse put in hard early training may develop problem.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Visual observation.
(2) Will wing inward with rear feet when horse is in motion.
(3) Will tend to interfere.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Lower outside of the hoof wall.
(2) Shoe with square-toed shoe, lateral extension shoe, or a combination of these, with a trailer.
v. Cure.
(1) Can be cured to some extent if horse is corrected at an early age, for most horses, under 18 months of age.
vi. Prevention.
(1) Breed straight-legged horses.
(2) Proper nutrition and training methods.
vii. Summation:
(1) A cow-hocked horse will develop various hock problems, and will be predisposed to weak hocks and ankles.
(2) Some calf ropers feel that a cow hocked horse will slide and stop better than a properly conformed set of rear legs.
(3) They claim a horse will get his butt down lower toward the ground.
aa. Sickle hocked - Sickle hock.
i. Definition.
(1) A fault in conformation of the hind legs when viewed from the side.
(2) A condition where the legs are set too far under the horse from the hocks downward.
(3) Feet are set too far forward, resulting in a camped-under condition.
ii. Cause.
(1) A genetic and inheritable (highly inheritable).
(2) May be congenital.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) A judgement when horse is viewed from the side.
iv. Treatment.
(1) When trimming, lower toe and do not use heel calks.
v. Cure.
(1) Very hard to cure or correct.
vi. Conclusion.
(1) Horse is predisposed to curbs spavins, and other hock problems.
(2) Some horsemen feel that a sickle-hocked horse has a better stop and more action with the hind legs than a properly conformed horse.
vii. Thoroughpin.
(1) Definition.
(a) A soft, puffy swelling which fills the natural depression or web of the hock area.
(2) Cause.
(a) Synovial fluid seeping into the web area.
(b) Caused by hard work, road shock, and general over-strain in the hock area.
(c) A cow hocked or sickle hocked horse will produce more strain on the hock area and will be predisposed to this and other hock problems.
(3) Diagnosis.
(a) Can feel and see the fullness and puffiness in the web area.
(b) Can move the fullness or swelling from one side of the web to the other, with slight finger and thumb pressure.
(4) Treatment.
(a) Take horse out of training and give complete rest.
(b) Avoid road shock.
(c) Blister and wrap.
(d) Aspiration of the fluid is not indicated, as it will usually just refill.
(5) Cure.
(a) If problem results from a conformation problem, it may recur with hard work.
(6) Conclusion.
(a) This is considered a blemish, and will usually not cause a horse to be lame.
bb. Capped hock.
i. Definition.
(1) A firm but not hard swelling at the point or rear of the hock.
(2) If trauma continues to the hock, it will become hard and fibrous (i.e., chronic).
ii. Cause.
(1) Caused by external injuries, usually from continuous pressure or hitting the hocks.
(2) A short horse trailer and the non-use of a butt chain will allow the hocks to hit the back of the trailer, causing the problem.
(3) Keeping horse in a short, closed tie-stall may provide the external force.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) A soft swelling at the rear of the hock can be seen and felt.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Must treat soon before cap becomes hard and sets.
(2) Reduce with a blister - wrap.
(3) Remove external trauma.
v. Cure.
(1) May become a permanent fullness.
vi. Conclusion.
(1) Horses with a protruding hock are more subject to "caps."
(2) Prevention can be related to proper management.
cc. Curb.
i. Definition.
(1) An elongated swelling to the rear, and below the point of the hock.
ii. Cause.
(1) A pull, strain, or inflammation of platar ligament at the rear of the hock.
(2) A bow of the tendon will give same appearance.
(3) Sickle hocked horses are predisposed to curb.
(4) Heavy training, road shock, or external injury may cause.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Easy to see the elongated swelling when viewed from the side.
(2) Easy to feel.
(3) Horse will lift rear leg while at rest to release pressure and pain.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Eliminate the cause.
(2) Blister or fire.
(3) Raise heel of the horse with swelled heel shoe.
v. Conclusion.
(1) If problem is not take care of, serious problems can develop.
(2) A fullness in this area, regardless of the cause, is usually referred to as a curb.
dd. Blood Spavin.
i. Definition.
(1) A varicose vein-like enlargement on the front and inside of the hock.
(2) Soft to the touch and is considered a blemish.
ii. Cause.
(1) An enlargement of the vein in the hock area.
(2) May seep blood into tissue.
(3) Caused by severe strain in the hock area because of poorly conformed hind legs.
(4) Excessive strain due to hard stops.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) The swelling can be observed and is soft but elastic to the touch.
iv. Treatment.
(1) None except rest.
v. Prevention.
(1) Reduce strain to hock such as hard work, and hard stops on hard ground.
vi. Conclusion.
(1) Not considered serious in most cases.
(2) Seldom causes lameness.
(3) May involve other tissue and become hardened.
ee. Bone Spavin or Jack Spavin.
i. Definition.
(1) A hard, bony enlargement on the inside of the hock, at the point of articulation of the hock and Cannon bone.
ii. Cause.
(1) General ossification of the joint usually caused by excess, continuous strain.
(2) Faulty conformation and excessive use, including hard stops and road shock.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Can be viewed from the side.
(2) Is hard to the touch.
(3) To confirm diagnosis, flex the leg and hold off the ground for several minutes. Then at an immediate trot, the horse will favor the leg.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Complete rest.
(2) Deep point pin firing.
(3) Shoe pattern - swell heels and rocker toe.
v. Conclusion.
(1) This is one of the more severe problems that a horse can develop, as the entire joint will sooner or later become involved.
(2) The use of hock will be eliminated, therefore ending the serviceability of the horse.
(3) REMEMBER: Mares with conditions of this nature should not be bred, and the predisposing cause such as week hocks or improper articulation is inheritable.
ff. Bag Spavin.
i. Definition.
(1) A large soft swelling on the inside of the hock joint, resulting from the filling of the area with synovial fluid.
ii. Causes.
(1) Severe strain on the hock due to road shock and hard work.
(2) Poor hind leg conformation.
(3) Swelling is result of leakage of synovial fluid.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Can see and feel.
(2) Must know location.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Blister.
(2) Rest.
(3) Wraps.
v. Conclusion.
(1) A bog is a blemish rather than an abnormality.
(2) If not treated, may become involved with some calcification.
vi. Note: Some vets will recommend that you should inspect your horse daily and notice the problem at the very onset. A 24-48 hour ice pack before blister or analgesic is applied, is indicated.
gg. Bowed Tendons.
i. Definition.
(1) A severe inflammation of the superficial flexor tendon characterized by swelling at the rear of the Cannon bone, tenderness, and occasionally lameness. By some definitions, a bow may also include a rupture of the tendon sheath and a protrusion of the tendon.
ii. Cause.
(1) Excessive stress on tendons as the result of long sloping pasterns.
(2) Overwork, road shock.
(3) Poor physical condition. Hard work when the horse is out of shape.
(4) Cutting heels too short on a horse that has had long heels, and starting out on full work.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) The fullness can be observed and felt.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Complete rest.
(2) Swelled heels and rocker-toed shoes to relieve pressure.
(3) May fire or blister.
v. Conclusion.
(1) A very common problem with race horses, and young horses under severe working conditions.
hh. Bucked shins.
i. Definition.
(1) A severe inflammation of the covering of the Cannon bone, the periosteum.
ii. Cause.
(1) Extreme inflammation due to extreme road shock. Road shock refers to hard training in race horses.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Tenderness.
(2) Severe pain.
(3) Heat in the pastern area.
(4) Problems nearly always occur in front of Cannon bone.
iv. Treatment.
(1) Take out of training.
(2) Cool out shins.
(3) Blister or fire.
(4) Rest.
v. Conclusion.
(1) This is one of the most painful problems that a horse has. Can get so inflamed that the horse will not stand on his feet. Cold sweats and colic symptoms may appear.
ii. Stifle.
i. Definition.
(1) An upper fixation of the patella locking the stifle in place, or a general luxation of the stifle joint.
ii. Cause.
(1) Horse having post-legged condition and expected to do hard roll-backs may stifle.
(2) A leg pulled too hard with side-line, or backward when shoeing may stifle.
(3) A sudden twist or turn or a horse stepping in a hole with his hind leg may cause.
(4) From kick or injury.
iii. Diagnosis.
(1) Rear leg will be locked - will balance leg on tip of toe.
iv. Treatment.
(1) If you are there when the stifle happens, you can flex hind leg and perhaps work it back into place. You can only do this before swelling sets in.
(2) An operation can be fairly successful.
v. Conclusion.
(1) Prognosis is not good.
jj. Stringhalt.
i. Definition.
(1) A condition of the hind leg characterized by excessive flexing of the hind leg. Extreme hock action, especially when being backed up. Thought to be the result of nerve damage.
(2) Thought to be the result of nerve damage.
ii. Diagnosis.
(1) Back horse and observe flexation.
iii. Treatment.
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