Sidebone in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Sidebone is a condition that can lead to lameness in one leg. Causes of Sidebone in horses include poor conformation, overuse, and injuries. Treatment options vary depending on the cause but may include shoeing, corrective surgery, and rest. If you’re concerned about your horse’s health, read this article!

What is Sidebone Disease?

Sidebone in horses is a condition in which the horse’s bones on the inside of its lower legs become enlarged and deformed. This condition can cause pain and lameness, which affects the horse’s performance and overall well-being. It is a severe issue that you should address immediately so that the horse can return to living a healthy life. 

Causes of Sidebone in Horses 

Several factors can lead to Sidebone in horses, including genetics, diet, exercise, and conformation. Genetics is likely the most important factor in this condition as some breeds are more prone to developing Sidebone than others. Poor conformation also increases the chances of Sidebone forming because it puts more pressure on certain areas of the hoof and leg when walking or running. While nutrition and exercise play an important role in preventing this condition, they can still occur even when a horse is well-cared for. 

Signs & Symptoms 

Any signs or symptoms that could indicate Sidebone in horses. The most common symptom is lameness or stiffness when moving or exercising, particularly on one side of the body. Other signs include swelling along the sides of the lower leg bones (tibia/fibula) and visible enlargement of these bones beneath the skin. In severe cases, heat or pain may also be associated with the movement of these bones. 

Diagnosis & Treatment 

To diagnose sidebone, a vet will listen to their patient’s history and perform a physical exam before taking x-rays or ultrasounds if necessary. X-rays will provide more information about whether there has been any bone remodelling due to this condition and any changes within joint structures such as arthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD). A physical exam will also help determine if there is any inflammation present which could be associated with Sidebone formation. Treatment usually consists of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and careful management depending on severity. Your horse may need surgery in extreme cases where bone remodelling has occurred over time. 

Prevention & Management Tips 

While Sidebone cannot always be prevented, there are steps owners can take to reduce their horse’s risk: 

Provide proper nutrition: Make sure your horse has access to high-quality hay, grain, vitamins/minerals appropriate for their age/stage of development/workload; supplement accordingly depending on body type/needs (consult a nutritionist if needed)  

• Follow an appropriate exercise program: Carefully monitor your horse’s workload; tailor exercises based on individual needs – too much work too soon can contribute to poor conformation leading to increased strain on joints/ligaments; make sure your horse receives adequate warm-up/cool-down periods before and after each workout.  
• Regularly inspect your horseshoes: Look out for signs like excessive wear around edges/claws – this indicates improper trimming, which could lead to inappropriate pressure distribution throughout the hoof resulting in further damage.
• Have regular vet checkups: Schedule regular appointments with your vet where they can assess general health, including conformation; early detection helps prevent long-term consequences.  

Conclusion 

Sidebone is an all too common issue amongst horses with owners who don’t practice proper care techniques regarding nutrition, exercise, hoof maintenance etc. While it cannot always be prevented altogether, being aware of potential risk factors and taking proactive steps towards prevention can go a long way towards maintaining optimum health for our equine friends!

At furrr.co.uk, we understand how important it is to protect your pet from the unexpected. That’s why we offer comprehensive pet insurance plans that can provide your furry friend the coverage they need in case of Sidebone or other medical issues. With our plans, you can rest assured that you’ll be covered for Sidebone treatment costs and any related injuries or complications.

Our Sidebone cover includes a range of treatments such as corrective surgery and shoeing, giving you peace of mind that vet bills won’t be a problem if Sidebone is diagnosed in your pet. We also offer coverage for lameness and stiffness associated with sidebone, so you can be sure that your pet will have access to the best possible care if they experience problems due to this condition.

At furrr.co.uk, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality insurance plans with comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. Our Sidebone coverage integrates seamlessly into our existing insurance policies, so there’s no need to purchase additional covers just for this condition – add Sidebone protection onto your existing pet policy, and you’re ready to go!

Don’t wait until it’s too late – get your pet insured today and gain peace of mind knowing that Sidebone won’t be an issue if it arises! Visit furrr.co.uk now and learn more about how our Sidebone cover can give you the protection you need at a price you can afford!