What is a fetlock injury?

What does it mean when a horse has excessive fetlock drop?

A horse with this condition will exhibit excessive fetlock drop and visible enlargement of the fetlock joint. Over time, the hock and stifle joints will straighten, giving the horse a post-legged appearance. It is important to be aware of this condition—especially if you observe excessive drop of your horse’s hind fetlocks.

Is your horse’s fetlock swollen?

Osselets can cause extreme pain for the horse. If your horse’s fetlock joint is swelling, it is imperative that he is seen by a veterinarian. Early diagnoses of osselets will ensure a better prognosis for the horse. Osselets in horses happens when the horse’s metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) experiences chronic stress injury.

How long should a horse rest after a fetlock injury?

Usually, stall rest is recommended for up to 6 weeks. It is important that your horse does not return to activity too early. The veterinarian may also suggest alternating cold and hot treatment of the area. This will help with swelling and inflammation of the fetlocks. Cold hosing may also be recommended.

What are the symptoms of osselets in horses?

Symptoms of Osselets in Horses. 1 Hot swelling on the front of the fetlock join. 2 Abnormal choppy gait. 3 Depression. 4 Stiffness. 5 Thickened joint capsule. 6 Pain. 7 Ulcerated cartilage. 8 Synovial distention on the sides of the joint, known as wind puffs. 9 Lameness.

What is a contracted tendon in horses?

The hyperflexion or hyperextension of joints, namely an abnormal limb within the sagittal plane of the foal, the name contracted tendon is not accurate, as it is not a tendon issue, but a joint issue. The limb of the horse has a displaced appearance and is out of place within the vertical alignment of the horse’s body and stance.

What happens if a horse has too much stretch in fetlock?

Excessive stretch in the fetlock can lead to damage, lameness and breakdown. ( Credit: Dusty Perin/www.dustyperin.com) As an Amazon Associate, Dressage Today may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site.

What causes a swollen fetlock on a horse?

(5) Minor Hoof problem – An elevated pulse to the hoof will give the impression of a swollen fetlock. Fix the hoof problem and the pulse returns to normal. (b) Passive or active edema of the subcutaneous tissue overlying the joint. (c) Lymphangitis (normally in a hind leg fetlock).

How do you know if your horse has osselets?

The gait of a horse with osselets becomes short and choppy. Applying firm pressure and bending the fetlock joint will cause pain. Swelling, which may be warm and sensitive, is seen over the front and sometimes the side of the joint.

What are contracted tendons in foals?

Contracted tendons in foals can either be due to something that happened to him in utero or can develop once he is older and growing. This condition leads him to not be able to use his leg properly since he cannot stretch it out completely.

What does it mean when a horse has contracted tendons?

‘Contracted tendons’ is a condition where a horse’s leg stands unusually upright, normally at the fetlock or coronary band. When the condition is extreme, the horse or foal may not be able to stand comfortably.The condition can be either congenital or acquired.

When should I take my horse to the vet for tendons?

Contracted tendons in horses is typically seen in foals at birth or as they are growing. If you notice your horse not using his leg or hoof properly, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation. Vet bills can sneak up on you.

How to treat digital flexor tendonitis in horses?

For affected foals less than one year old, contracted tendons can be treated with nutritional correction, proper hoof trimming, and pain control. It is also common for veterinarians to surgically cut the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon as it relieves the tension and does not interfere with future performances.

Why is my horse not flexing his leg?

These horses will get their leg stuck out behind them and will be unable to flex (bend) the leg. Having the horse back up slowly or manipulating the patella will normally allow the patella to release.

What are the signs of lameness in a horse?

Lameness occurs 8 to 24 hours after infection. Swelling in the joint, which you may or may not detect. Fever after establishing infection may occur in mature horses. Foals usually run a fever before any signs of lameness or joint swelling. Plus sign (+) if content is closed, ‘X’ if content is open.

Is it common for a horse to have a swollen leg?

Discovering that a horse has a swollen leg is a common experience among horse owners. Swellings often develop over night or while a horse is in the pasture and are noticed only when the owner is getting ready to ride or train the horse.

What are contracted tendons in horses?

Contracted tendons in horses is typically seen in foals at birth or as they are growing. If you notice your horse not using his leg or hoof properly, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation.

How can you tell if a horse has a tendon injury?

In extreme cases, the heel is elevated off the ground and the toe points down or back. A horse with a severe contracted tendon eventually may not even look normal in the affected leg and hoof.

Why is my horse’s leg bent at the back?

The ligaments are lax, and the tendons may seem a little too short or too long. This results in odd leg angles and stances. If the foal is mildly contracted, a few days of exercise and stretching will usually correct the problem. If the problem is severe, a veterinarian should be contacted. Too rapid weight gain may also lead to contracted tendons.

Is a tendon injury the end of a horse’s career?

Even a very serious superficial digital flexor tendon does not necessarily have to spell the end of a competitive horse’s career. A more serious tendon injury is one to the deep flexor tendon.

How do veterinarians treat tendon injuries in horses?

Ultrasound is often used to diagnose soft tissue injuries. It allows veterinarians to see exactly where the injury is located, and how bad it is. In addition to ultrasound, a horse may have a MRI done as well. When a horse injures its tendon, it will need to rest. Anti-inflammation medication may be given as well.

How to manage digital flexor tendon injuries in horses?

Small core lesions (holes inside the tendon) can be managed in a similar way to superficial digital flexor tendon injuries. Large core lesions tend not to do so well with this type of management, but the injection of stem cells can improve the outcome in some horses.

What are flexural deformities in horses?

In this article from Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington, Kentucky, J. Brett Woodie, DVM, MS, DACVS, discusses what flexural deformities are, and how veterinarians treat them. Flexural deformity or “contracted tendons” is a common condition of foals.

What are contracted digital flexor tendons in horses?

But don’t worry; one of the most common deformities that equine veterinarians deal with in newborns is contracted digital flexor tendons. This might cause foals to walk on the toes of their front hooves instead of being flat footed.

What causes a horse to go over at the knee?

Injury affecting the fetlock and corono-pedal joints may also cause the horse to go slightly over at the knee and develop contracted tendons. In older horse, rupture of the common digital extensor tendon may occur for no known reason and contracted tendons may occur secondarily.

What is a bowed tendon in horses?

Bowed tendon is a common term used by horse owners, trainers, and professionals to describe a tendon which has suffered a sort of injury. When it is not treated properly, the fibers can become torn.