Bowed Tendon
An inflammation and enlargement of the flexor tendon at the back of
the front cannon bone. The general cause is severe strain. Back at
the knees, long, weak pasterns, a long toe and low heel and improper
shoeing are all predisposing causes. The bowed appearance is due to
the formation of fibrinous tissue. Bows are classified as low,
medium or high depending on location. Treatment usually requires
long periods of rest; six months to a year on the farm is normal.
The use of enzyme injections, laser and surgical procedures are all
currently being used to try and treat this injury. Less than 50% of
horses suffering a bowed tendon come back successfully.
Bucked Shins
An enlargement on the front of the cannon bone between the knee and
the fetlock joints. This enlargement is due to trauma to the
periosteum (thin sheathing which covers the bone), most often caused
by concussion. Generally, the condition is confined to soreness, but
if a periostitis (calcium deposit) occurs new bone growth can result
that gives one the perceived look of a "bucked" shin. This injury
occurs most often in young horses in heavy training.
The goal of treatment of a bucked shin is to thicken the front
cortex of the cannon bone. This can be done by continued light
training with a gradual increase in intensity or pin firing. Pin
firing is a therapy whereby a red-hot probe is used to cauterize the
affected area to produce a serous inflammatory response. The serum
appears to flush out the other inflammation in the area. A horse
that has been pin fired usually requires two to three months of rest
before training can resume. The benefits of pin firing are open to
debate, with some vets believing there is little or no benefit to
the practice. Once healed bucked shins rarely recur.
Splint
A calcification or bony growth, usually occurring on the inside of
the cannon bone or splint bones. It typically results from a tear of
the interosseous ligament that binds the splint bone to the cannon
bone, but can result from any inflammation of the periosteum. This
condition is most commonly caused by concussion with a hard surface.
Blistering (a therapy similar to pin firing), surgery and rest are
all treatments.
Torn Suspensory Ligament
The suspensory ligaments run from the top end of the back side of
the cannon bone (and knee or hock) down to the sesamoids and the
pastern bone. These are among the most stressed of all tissues in
the racehorse's body, and are therefore one of the most common sites
of injury. The treatment is usually six to nine months of rest and
an additional three to four months of re-training.
Bone chip in the knee or ankle
Pieces of broken bone off the knee or ankle (usually from racing
stress). If chips remain attached they may not interfere with the
action of the horse's leg, but can be extremely painful and usually
require removal by arthroscopic surgery. If it is determined that
the chip should be removed, arthroscopic surgery is performed
followed by three months of rest and an additional three to four
months of re-training. The cost of the surgery is approximately
$2,000.
Slab Fracture
A break in the knee whereby the "slab" of a carpal bone splits and
the front part becomes detached. This can often be repaired
surgically. While a slab fracture does not necessarily mean the end
of a horse's career, it is a serious injury. See Fractured Leg.
Condylar Fracture
A fracture of the condyle of the cannon bone. The condyle is the bulbous bottom or distal end of the cannon bone that fits into the fetlock joint. Condylar fractures can be repaired surgically. The prognosis for survival and a return to racing soundness is dependent on the severity of injury. In uncomplicated cases, after surgery to fix an uncomplicated condylar fractures, the horse normally is given stall rest for one month, followed by stall rest and hand-walking for another month. After this 60-day period, follow-up x-rays are taken to determine the rate of healing. If all is going well, there likely is another two to four weeks of paddock exercise before the horse might resume training. In the case of more severe fractures, the recovery period could encompass many months before the horse is ready to return to training. See Fractured Leg.
