Very Common
Less 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
Wounds to Heel &/or Pastern, Heel Bulb Area
Synonyms: Pastern or Heel Bulb Laceration
Summary
Wounds to the fore or hind pasterns or heel bulbs are common injuries and can be life-threatening. Wounds can result from a variety of causes; Horses often injure themselves on wire, tin, or other sharp objects, but overreaching can also be a cause.
Vital structures are near the surface here - joints, tendon sheaths, bone, tendons and ligaments. The question with any wound in this location is whether any of these structures are affected and if so, which ones and how severely.
Diagnosis requires careful veterinary examination, digital palpation and exploration of the wound. Pressurizing nearby synovial structures (joints or tendon sheaths) allows veterinarians to assess whether there is communication with the wound. Collection and analysis of fluid from synovial structures, radiography and ultrasound may provide additional information.
Treatment depends on the nature of the wound, how old it is, and it's size and orientation, and especially whether nearby critical anatomic structures are involved.
Vital structures are near the surface here - joints, tendon sheaths, bone, tendons and ligaments. The question with any wound in this location is whether any of these structures are affected and if so, which ones and how severely.
Diagnosis requires careful veterinary examination, digital palpation and exploration of the wound. Pressurizing nearby synovial structures (joints or tendon sheaths) allows veterinarians to assess whether there is communication with the wound. Collection and analysis of fluid from synovial structures, radiography and ultrasound may provide additional information.
Treatment depends on the nature of the wound, how old it is, and it's size and orientation, and especially whether nearby critical anatomic structures are involved.
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
The prognosis for these wounds depends on the nature of the wounds, the involvement of vital structures, and the effectiveness of treatment. The age of the wound can be critical.For wounds involving critical structures, prompt and aggressive treatment provides the best prognosis.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Less Common
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Hoof-Limb Contact, Foot Interfering or Overreaching
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Wound to Back of Lower Limb or Leg
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Rope Burn on Pastern or Lower Limb or Leg
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Lameness, Severe, Cannot Support Weight on Limb
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Lameness, Immediately Following Trauma or Accident
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Drainage from Heel or Pastern Area
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Wound to Coronary Band, Hairline of Hoof
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Does this wound involve any critical structures?
- What is the prognosis for this wound?
- Will the horse be able to return to the same level of function as prior to wounding?
- What is the best treatment approach to this wound?
- What is the cost of the most aggressive treatment protocols versus less aggressive approaches?
- How can I prevent similar injuries in the future?
Prevention
All of the practices that reduce the likelihood of accidents reduce the likelihood of these wounds. Minimize exposure to wire, especially barbed wire in paddocks and pastures. Remove sharp objects from pastures.
Practice good hoof care, with consistent short shoeing intervals. Long overgrown hooves change the arcs of flight of the hooves and make overreaching more likely. For horses that have a tendency to overreach, use bell boots as necessary to protect fore pasterns and heel bulbs.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health