Horse Legs and Hooves - list of articles!
Chestnuts on Horses, and Ergots, too
Fun facts in here about chestnuts and ergots on horses. The myths behind chestnuts as eyes, toes, and scent glands are not rooted in current science, but are still fascinating, as is the evolution of the ergot on horse legs.
Cannon Crud in Horses – It’s Cannon Keratosis
Stud or cannon crud in horses is that greasy, scaly mess of hair and goo that sits upon your horse’s cannon bones, usually in the hind legs. It’s typically a benign form of seborrhea, but this cannon keratosis can get secondary infections.
Founder in the Spring – Prevention and Care
Lush grass after winter can create founder in the spring for horses, especially those with metabolic conditions like EMS and Cushing’s. The higher sugars and starches react in the hindgut to create gas, endotoxins, and a changing pH that lead to laminitis and sometimes founder. Use grazing muzzles and treat spring grass like a diet change.
Quarter Cracks in Horses
Most quarter cracks in horses begin at the coronary band. Many are shallow, some are deep enough to bleed and cause lameness. Corrective farrier work is needed to rebalance the hoof and help this hoof crack heal.
The Difference Between Laminitis and Founder
While laminitis and founder are used interchangeably, these two terrible hoof conditions vary just slightly. Laminitis is the swelling, while founder is the rotation of the bone in the hoof.
Understanding CPL in Horses: Signs and Treatments
Chronic progressive lymphedema, also called milk leg in horses, is part lymphatic system malfunction in the legs, part swollen leg, part secondary skin infection, and part hoof troubles. It’s most common in draft horses.
Hoof Abscesses in Horses
Ouch times a hundred. Horse hoof abscesses and gravel in horses are pockets of infection that need drainage and care. Your vet and farrier can help create a track for drainage, to instantly relieve pain. Then you can add epsom salts, soaks, or poultice to help clear the abscess.
Ringbone in Horses
You can help the horse with ringbone with lifestyle changes, supplements, pain medications, and surgical options. It is a degenerative disease, and some ringbone in horses is mild, while other cases more severe.
