Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Conformational Defects, Limbs, Generally
Summary
Conformational defects can be separated into two groups, those that you can do something about, and those that you can't.
In youngsters with various limb defects, there may be a window of opportunity to do something to help them live productive, pain-free lives. The key is recognizing this and acting on it sooner rather than later.
With respect to adult horse conformational defects, again there is a division: those that are likely to affect performance or soundness (a functional problem that causes discomfort or pain), and those that are not (purely aesthetic problem).
In almost all disciplines, there have been winning performance horses that have had poor conformation. Cannonero II won the Derby and Preakness in 1971 with a very crooked leg. Everyone knows the story of Seabiscuit's apparently poor conformation. Generally, however, good conformation for a purpose predisposes to good performance.
In youngsters with various limb defects, there may be a window of opportunity to do something to help them live productive, pain-free lives. The key is recognizing this and acting on it sooner rather than later.
With respect to adult horse conformational defects, again there is a division: those that are likely to affect performance or soundness (a functional problem that causes discomfort or pain), and those that are not (purely aesthetic problem).
In almost all disciplines, there have been winning performance horses that have had poor conformation. Cannonero II won the Derby and Preakness in 1971 with a very crooked leg. Everyone knows the story of Seabiscuit's apparently poor conformation. Generally, however, good conformation for a purpose predisposes to good performance.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
For young horses, prognosis depends on the specific abnormality, its severity, and the age of the horse when treated. For mature horses, prognosis depends on the specific abnormality, its severity, and the presence (or absence) of arthritis.Appropriate shoeing and trimming is critical to management of lower limb conformation faults.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
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Excessively Flexed, Upright Through Fetlock. Cocked Ankle (in Adult)
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Dished Front of Hoof Wall
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Hoof-Limb Contact, Foot Interfering or Overreaching
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Under-Run Heels, Long Toe & Low Heel
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Hind Limb Bows Outward at Hock When Walking
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Rough Gait at the Trot
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Sheared Heels, Coronet Not Same Height at Heels or Quarters of Hoof
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Will this conformational defect affect my horse's use or quality of life?
- What can be done about it?
Prevention
Try to avoid purchasing horses with poor limb conformation. Breed and buy horses of good conformation. A pre-purchase exam by a vet may help identify subtle conformation problems. Breeders should select against obvious conformation faults.
Once you have a horse with a conformation problem: Know normal conformation and recognize deviations. For growing foals, understand that there is a window of time in which to act. Take photos and share them with your vet for discussion.