Very 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
Bench Knee, Offset Cannon Bone
Summary
Bench knee is a common conformational abnormality wherein the cannon bone sits in an outside position (laterally) relative to the carpus (the "knee") viewed from the front.
This abnormality places excessive stress on the lower joints and ligaments of the carpus, predisposing to carpal arthritis and splint injuries.
This abnormality places excessive stress on the lower joints and ligaments of the carpus, predisposing to carpal arthritis and splint injuries.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If you are considering purchase, be sure to have a purchase exam performed.
- Your vet can rule out common lameness conditions and recommend treatment or management.
your role
What To Do
If you see this conformation in a horse you plan to purchase, you should consider this a fault. Your vet can help you determine its significance in light of the horse's other characteristics and your intended use.If you already own the horse, keep in mind that this conformation favors the development of arthritis of the carpus and the development of inside splints. Ask your vet about whether your expectations are reasonable given this conformation. You may need to reduce your expectations so as not to overload this area.
Monitor the horse for swelling of the carpus or reduced range of motion. Either could indicate the development of arthritis. Monitor your horse for lameness and for a lump associated with the inside splint bone. It is also good to keep your horse's hooves trimmed on a regular basis.
Have a vet perform a purchase exam before buying a horse so that conformational abnormalities are identified and discussed. It is always important to select horses of good conformation for your intended use.
What Not To Do
Do not purchase a horse without a veterinary purchase evaluation.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet considers the situation (horse for purchase, already owned horse, growing foal) , the severity of the conformational abnormality and whether or not lameness exists, and helps you come up with a plan accordingly. Radiography and other diagnostics may provide additional information.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Is there swelling of the carpus?
- Are there splints (hard swellings on the inside back part of the cannon)?
- Is the horse limping or lame?
- Was a purchase exam performed before buying the horse?
- How does this reduced range of motion compare to the other limb?
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)
