While heel pain is a component of navicular syndrome, it is very important to point out that there are a multitude of other structures in the hoof that can cause heel pain, such as the suspensory ligament of the...
Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a common occurrence in older, and sometimes not so old, equine athletes. The body is designed to maintain the cartilage in the joints, repairing damage after normal wear and tear. In athletic...
Tendon and Ligament Injury
There are several important tendons and ligaments in the lower leg. The superficial digital flexor tendon, the deep digital flexor tendon, and the suspensory ligament are the most prominent and often prone to injury. Injuries to...
Ouch! If you’ve ever had a horse come in from the pasture with a face full of porcupine quills or cactus spines, or if you’ve been out on the trail when such a spiny encounter has occurred, you know...
For anyone who owns a horse, it is no secret that you will more than likely encounter a wound at some point. It helps to be prepared. What should you have on hand in the event of an injury,...
As your horse ages, you may have noticed that he starts out a bit stiffer and creakier in the joints at the beginning of your rides. In fact, as riders get older, many will identify the same phenomenon in...
Q: We bought a 5-year-old gelding that has laminitis. A vet suggested we block the nerves in his worst hoof. What are the pros and cons of doing this, and are there any other options? We only do light...
Q: My 5-year-old gelding recently came up lame, and the vet diagnosed him with a bone cyst in the right front foot, between his navicular and coffin bones. He has only been in regular work (including jumping) for the...
As horse owners we all know how accident and emergency prone horses can be. It’s almost as if they wake up each morning thinking, "How can I get myself into trouble today?” Having the knowledge and skill to handle...
We are now recognizing a whole new class of injuries made visible though MRI. Tendons and ligaments are throughout the body, including the back, shoulder and stifle, and MRI has been very useful in diagnosing tendon and ligament injuries...
