Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Toe of Hoof Raises Off Ground when Weight Bearing
Summary
The deep digital flexor tendon attaches to the rear of the coffin bone (P3) within the hoof. Any disruption to the deep digital flexor tendon of the lower limb can cause a horse's toe or foot to raise off the ground while bearing weight.
This usually occurs when some or all of the tendon fibers are cut in an injury (usually to the back of the pastern or cannon bone), when the tendon is mechanically ruptured, or it may accompany chronic navicular syndrome. Often you will also see severe lameness or a sagging fetlock.
This usually occurs when some or all of the tendon fibers are cut in an injury (usually to the back of the pastern or cannon bone), when the tendon is mechanically ruptured, or it may accompany chronic navicular syndrome. Often you will also see severe lameness or a sagging fetlock.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If severe lameness accompanies this sign.
- If you feel the problem is severe or has come on suddenly.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If you consider this a chronic and relatively mild problem that is not changing rapidly.
- If you do not notice lameness.
your role
What To Do
Confine your horse to a stall and call your vet immediately. Wrapping the limb will not help much but if your horse must be transported, splinting the limb with the toe flexed can help protect the area. Horses that recover after injuries to the tendon may still have mild elevations of the toe.WHAT YOUR VET DO
Your vet assesses the structure and function of the lower limb, especially the deep digital flexor tendon. In addition to assessment of the limb and lameness evaluation, ultrasound and radiographs may be required.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How lame is the horse?
- Is there a wound or swelling in the lower limb?
- Does your horse have a history of an old injury or chronic lameness of that limb?
- If the horse is lame, how lame?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
