The coffin joint lies between the second and third phalanges of each limb. The joint space is located under the interface of the hoof and haired skin on the limb (coronet band). How many coffin joints does a horse have? The three bones are the coffin (aka “pedal”) bone, the Read more…
A Most pelvic fractures have a good prognosis for healing and return to athletic function. Hairline or incomplete fractures of the ileum or ischium heal relatively quickly in 90-120 days with stall rest and small paddock confinement. These horses usually return to normal function. Can a horse recover from a Read more…
Fat is deposited along withers, behind shoulders, and along neck. Fat: Crease down back. Difficult to feel ribs. Fat around tailhead is very soft. Where do horses gain weight first? Loin: A thin horse’s spine will stick up and he’ll have a ridge down his back. This is the first Read more…
It is caused by the repetitive loading, and subsequent failure, of the normal structure of cortical bone (the dense bone that makes up the outside of a long bone). Stress fractures can occur in all horses that undergo repetitive exercise. What is the most common cause of stress fractures? They’re Read more…
Navicular syndrome commonly causes lameness in horses. Veterinarians often treat this syndrome with a coffin joint injection. This injection usually consists of the following. Injecting the coffin joint relieves lameness in many cases. What causes inflammation in the coffin joint? This degenerative process is seen as a consequence of traumatic Read more…
This is a relatively common fracture in race horses. it is thought to occur from recurrent “micro-damage” during training that finally gives way. It is a longitudinal crack down the lower end of the cannon bone, splitting the cannon bone into the fetlock joint surface. Can a horse recover from Read more…
Inflammation in the pedal bone can be the cause of severe lameness in your horse and the prognosis for “pedal osteitis” is often dire. However, there are ways to help your horse manage the pain and even in some cases recover from pedal osteitis, by treating the cause rather than Read more…
The sternohyoideus muscle inserts on the basihyoid bone and lingual process and, in combination with the sternothyroideus muscle, pulls the basihyoid bone caudally (5). Which muscle inserts on the hyoid bone? Geniohyoid muscle Geniohyoid originates at the genial tubercle (inferior mental spine) of the mandible. The slender muscle continues inferiorly Read more…
You’ll also keep your horse more comfortable and help speed healing. Careful observation will be your best tool. Casts are used for a variety of problems such as some bone fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, wounds, and abnormal growth and development. Why can’t you put a cast on a horse? Read more…
While improvements have been made in the treatment of bone fractures in horses in recent years, they typically remain difficult and expensive to repair, but pedal bone fractures are an exception to this. When the injury is diagnosed promptly, and treated correctly, the prognosis for full recovery can be excellent. Read more…