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  Discussion on Sidebone without lameness - career ending?
Author Message
New Member:
bvrcrk4

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2007 - 3:22 pm:

We have a 6 yo mare that was given to us, that has both a wonderful personality and really impressive gaits. We had our vet do a "prepurchase" exam, to determine what kinds of issues she might have, and X-rays of the right front foot revealed sidebone on both sides (M and L). The mare shows no lameness, and showed no reaction to the flexion tests on that foot, so the sidebone appears not to be causing any current problems. We would like to know what direction to go with her training, so my question is, what kinds of future activities does the sidebone rule out for her? Our vet said she could do lower level dressage work and trail riding, but probably not higher level dressage work. What about carriage driving? What kinds of things should we specifically avoid so as not to chance a fracture?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2007 - 6:26 pm:

Nonsense Ann, let the horse tell you what it can do. For more on sidebone see, Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Sidebone and the Collateral Cartilages.
DrO
New Member:
bvrcrk4

Posted on Thursday, Feb 22, 2007 - 11:27 am:

Thanks Dr.O, I found the article very informative, and will follow the directions on shoeing and keep an eye out for any lameness that might indicate a fracture.
Other than that, I guess we'll just go straight ahead with her and let her show us where she'll go!
Member:
5691

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 4, 2007 - 3:44 pm:

Hello,

I know that it is better to start my own discussion, but Ann's first posting describes very closely my current situation regarding a horse we are considering purchasing next week.

The horse is a 7 year old Holsteiner that has a history of light eventing training, showing and jumping the last three years. His radiographs at four years old show development of sidebone on one of his front feet. I am educating myself regarding sidebone and have read the article Dr O has posted on HA.

My daughter wants to use this horse for dressage with a goal of third level. We do not plan to jump this horse, but do a lot of trail riding as a conditioning exercise.

The pre purchase exam would include extensive digital radiographs of feet, hocks and stifles. If there is no change from his baseline of three years ago and no evidence of lameness, is there any reason why we shouldn't consider purchasing this horse?

I was wondering if Ann was noticing any sequela or difficulty with the horse she described above.

Any thoughts anyone else might have regarding horses they own with sidebone would be much appreciated.

Smiles and thanks,
Debra
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