Horses can develop hind leg problems if not properly taken care of. To avoid long-term leg and hoof problems, regular check ups, proper trimming and thorough cleaning, but, most importantly, the right amount of downtime are required. A little lameness in the leg can lead to chronic lameness, bone and hoof deformations.
Here we are going to overview some of the common problems associated with horses’ legs, as well as give you tips on how you can avoid these problems and treat them when they occur.
Lower Leg Injury and Lameness
Lower leg injuries are very common in horses. These are the ones you should know about:
Bowed Tendons
Bowed tendons should always be treated as an emergency even if it looks like a minor injury.
Fatigue, excessive stretching or training, and external damage,all these can cause bowed tendons.
Immediate remedies should be used to treat inflammation and reduce pain. In severe cases it may require up to 12 or more months of rest and recovery.
Check Ligament Desmitis
The upper part of cannon bone is sandwiched between deep flexor tendon and the bone. Strain, sprain and external injury in the lower leg causes Check Ligament Desmitis. Instant anti-inflammatory treatment and rest for at least three months are required in this case.
Curb
Curbs are more common in young horses, rather than adult horses. In curb, the planter ligament behind the hock is ruptured and the upper part swells up to four inches. The horse may or may not become lame, thus it is possible for the injury to be left undiscovered. Curbs are mostly caused by activities such as kicking hard walls, jumping, galloping, and excessive bucking.
Swollen Legs
Puffy or swollen legs is a very common problem, especially when the horse spends the whole day in their stable. Swollen legs are also common during early days of training sessions. Rest time and minor anti-inflammatory treatment should be enough to treat swollen legs overnight. If swelling prevails the next day, it is suggested to take the horse to a veterinarian.
Splints
When the cannon bone becomes hard and swells from either side, the condition is called splints. Splints became harder and colder with time, therefore, it is essential to treat them immediately. Inflammation treatment and warm patch will help reduce the pain.
Osselets
Pain or inflammation caused due to strains in the front of fetlock causes Osselets. The pain increases as the condition develops. Slow training and controlled exercising can help to manage the pain and reduce inflammation.
Bucked Shins
Bucked Shins are more common for race horses and horses used in sports. Excessive training, strain and concussion cause sores and inflammation in the cannon bone. Bucked shins may become a chronic problem if left untreated.
Hoof Problems
Apart from broken hoof, there are various minor and major problems that can be associated with it. Here are two very common problems you should be looking out for in your horse:
Cross Firing
Internal injuries and wounds occur when a small portion or corner of hind hoof clips in the inner side of the forefoot. Clean and properly dress the wound. Use anti-inflammatory medication, allow your equine to rest and recover.
Over-Reach
Wound is caused when hind hoof hits the coronary area of foreleg or heel. Over-reach is mostly caused due to imbalance. Horses become imbalanced when they are tired or exhausted. Injury may cause imbalance just as improperly fitted boots or horseshoes. Make sure all those are sized to fit and, if the horse is injured, it gets the recovery downtime.
Minor stable treatments can be used to reduce immediate inflammation and relieve pain. However, it is important to see a veterinarian if you think the situation is getting out of control. Seek professional opinion if your horse’s condition is worsening with time, or it becomes obvious that non of the stable remedies work. Remember, a minor problem can easily turn into a chronic disease if not addressed.
Keep your horses healthy and fit, fed them well and support their bodies with high quality equine supplements from LV Performance.