Horse arrived home from 24+ hours of travel from a show in good spirits. I noticed very odd swelling in left front. Not hot and trots sound, but looks very weird. Possibly lateral digital extensor…? Vet is coming tomorrow, but of course I can’t help but worry until then. Anyone ever seen anything similar to this?
Pics here:
Yep, that’s what my guess would be too.
http://www.ponybox.com/upload/news/2383_image3.jpg
Not sure if I do anything about it if he is sound. He doesn’t scuff or drag his toe at all right?
That looks like lateral digital extensor tendon protrusion from upright conformation. If I’m looking at the right thing, it’s not a lump or a swelling. It’s the extensor tendon pulled tight as a drum because the entire bony column, from the coffin bone on up, is at too steep an angle. I’d wager that in a side view picture we’d see that this horse is excessively upright through the pastern and fetlock and possibly the foot as well.
Especially in young horses (but possible at any age), long trailer rides can lead to contracture of the extensor apparatus and flexural deformity of the joints. Sometimes it presents as you show here, sometimes as a sudden “over at the knee” and sometimes both deformities simultaneously. It is something you need to address immediately if this is a young, growing horse. 24/7 turnout would be my first step, Buckeye Foal Aide Paste, my second. Even if this isn’t a “baby baby” the Foal Aide will help. You need a competent farrier and a knowledgable vet working together to try to correct this horse’s angles ASAP.
Is the horse knuckling forward at the fetlocks at all? If not, I can tell you from the pics that he’s not far from it. Was he tending to be upright before the trailer trip?
If the heels of the feet are shod/trimmed way too tall it can cause abnormal tension in the extensor tendon. I would evaluate his feet to eliminate that possibility as part of the search for answers. . .
[QUOTE=Patty Stiller;7785474]
If the heels of the feet are shod/trimmed way too tall it can cause abnormal tension in the extensor tendon. I would evaluate his feet to eliminate that possibility as part of the search for answers. . .[/QUOTE]
I’m dealing with a hind extensor injury. Can you explain what way too tall means? Thanks.
OP, how is your horse doing?
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
