(a) The fetlock joint is formed by the junction of the third metacarpal bone (MC3) and the proximal phalanx bone (P1). What makes up the fetlock joint? Fetlock is a term used for the joint where the cannon bone, the proximal sesamoid bones, and the first phalanx (long pastern bone) Read more…
A horseshoe is a man-made, U-shaped plate designed to protect and enhance a horse’s hooves. They’ve been used for centuries to allow domesticated horses to participate in different kinds of work. A horse wearing shoes is referred to as a “shod horse”, while a horse without shoes is described “unshod” Read more…
Mark the time and count the number of breaths over at least 15 seconds. Multiply the number of breaths by 4 (3 breaths x 4 = 12 per minute). The normal respiration rate for a horse at rest is approximately 8–14 breaths per minute, give or take a breath or Read more…
Normal vital signs for adult horses (at rest): Heart rate 38-44 beats per minute. Rectal temperature 37-38.5ºC. Respiratory (breathing) rate 12-20 breaths per minute. Gums should be light pink and moist, and capillary refill time less than 2 seconds. What is the normal respiratory rate for horses? 8 to 16 Read more…
EXHALING CARBON DIOXIDE A well-functioning respiratory system in a horse is important for maximizing energy and getting rid of carbon dioxide – a waste product produced within the mitochondria of muscle cells during exercise. What is the function of the horses respiratory system? The main function of the horse’s respiratory Read more…
Horses have a normal resting respiratory rate of 12-20 breaths per minute. During exercise the respiratory rate rises as high as 180 breaths per minute. What happens to the rate of respiration as exercise increases? When you exercise and your muscles work harder, your body uses more oxygen and produces Read more…
noun. : a bone in hoofed mammals that extends from the knee or hock to the fetlock. especially : the enlarged metacarpal or metatarsal of the third digit of a horse. Can a horse recover from a broken cannon bone? Most horses with splints recover and return to work. Once Read more…
Causes of Knock Knees in Horses This condition is caused due to the uneven growth of the leg bones. As the bones grow unevenly the muscles and other bones may attempt to compensate for this uneven growth, causing further deviations and contortion. Early treatment before the bones fuse is essential Read more…
Stifle Joint – The stifle is the equivalent of the human knee and it is the largest, most complex joint in the horse. The bones that make up the stifle are the femur (thigh), tibia (shin) and patella (kneecap). What is the knee joint called on a horse? carpusStifle – Read more…
During prolonged calcium deficiency horses mobilize large amounts of bone mineral primarily from their facial and pelvic bones which become fragile and fibrous connective tissue develops. This fibrous tissue causes their facial bones to swell, giving them a ‘Big Head’ appearance. How do you prevent big head in horses? Treatment Read more…