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This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Muscle & Tendon Diseases » Tendon Laxity and Contracture »
  Discussion on Knucking forward at fetlock
Author Message
Member:
gr8care

Posted on Friday, Jan 9, 2009 - 10:01 am:

DrO,

I've read the articles related to tendon contractures, and still have a question.

We have had 3 foals in 3 years that "knuckled over" at the fetlock joint. ALL of these foals were of large frame, growthy, structure (parents at or exceed 16 hands)--but different breeds.

After evaluation and radiographs from 2 veterinarians, to rule out any structural abnormalities, our corrective regimen (in addition to backing off the groceries) has been a very gradual trim of the inside, rear of their hooves.

My question is: Which cause comes first, rapid hoof growth and lack of wear due to the soft foot surface -OR- the actual contraction of the tendon due to rapid structural growth?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 - 2:00 pm:

Hello Grace,
Note well: we don't think that the tendon actually contracts (see article for more) but it is the relative shortening of the tendon that results in upright foot conformation. Of course overgrown hooves can happen in any poorly trimmed foot whether there is contraction or not.
DrO
New Member:
lgill

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 8:12 am:

You can always use Dynasplint Systems to correct angular & flexural limb deformities in your foals or older horses.

https://www.dynasplint.com/division/veterinary.php

Dynasplint Systems is used to correct angular and flexural limb deformities in small and large animal. In a very gentle, non-invasive way, the bilateral tensioning system within each Dynasplint System is able to correct the following problems:
a) carpal contractures;
b) carpal hyperextensions;
c) fetlock contractures;
d) fetlock laxities;
c) deep digital flexor tendon contractures;
d) upright pasterns;
e) valgus/varus carpals, tarsals, & fetlocks;
f) any loss of range of motion due to surgery, lacerations, or congenital problems;
g) as well as many other lower limb issues.
New Member:
lgill

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 8:24 am:

Equine Dynasplint Systems
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 9:32 am:

DrO will weigh in, but there is a section on this website specifically for sales and advertising. I've never used this product, but am less likely to consider it with obtrusive product shilling in a discussion section.
New Member:
lgill

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 10:40 am:

I am so sorry!! I am new to HorseAdvise, and I did not realize that I was speaking out of turn. I just joined late last night and have been studying about ALDs and such. So sorry!! I have asked the administrator to remove my posts. Hope y'all have a great day.
Member:
sonoita

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 1:24 pm:

Okay, Dr.O I have a sixteen year old that has begun to knuckle over at the knee and when the new farrier I have comes out he has almost gone down and shakes really bad in the knees when you lift his back legs. I had someone riding him for me and he would shake and buckle in the knees so bad I was afraid he would go down and she would get hurt so I stopped letting her ride. He was being trimmed and it looked like he was standing over his chest area and on his tippy toes. Now now he has been set back, but he still shakes. What do I do next?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 10:16 am:

Hello All,
Lgill, we do have a policy of avoiding product advertising on the site. I do believe this is a good splinting system and the information may be helpful to someone. Splint has helped some horses with contracture and should be considered when more conservative methods fail. I will leave this one here but in the future let's discuss specific examples on how splinting has helped and avoid the product literature. You are welcome to post this in the product section.

Wanda, you should back up a page and start a new discussion on your horse.
DrO
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