Equus360

14/07/2025

Great to collaborate with HoofFlix

Occlusion to the Hoof: Exploring the Link Between Equine Dental Abnormalities, Postural Compensation, and Hoof Capsule Morphology Stockley. L., Madden. N., Caldwell. M. Scientific Horseshoeing Lim…

04/07/2025

Great information.. thank you Green Animal Osteopathy / Martine Groeneveld

01/07/2025

OUCH…

Retained Deciduous Premolars in Young Horses: A Hidden Source of Pain and Postural Disruption

By Lucinda Stockley MRes Equine Performance (BSc (Hons) Equine Dental Science, Equine Smart Bowen Practitioner.

The image below shows a retained 508 deciduous cap (fourth premolar) in a horse over 4 years of age. This tooth should have been exfoliated by around 3.5 years old to allow the underlying permanent premolar 108 to erupt in a correct and symmetrical position. When exfoliation is delayed or incomplete, the result can be chronic discomfort, mechanical interference with tooth eruption, and the development of secondary pathology.

In this case, the horse exhibited significant heat and swelling in the maxillary region, and eruption cysts were both visible and palpable. These findings are more than just “teething” issues — they can have far-reaching consequences for dental development, oral health, and whole-horse biomechanics.

Dental Transition in the Young Horse: What Should Happen

Equine deciduous premolars (specifically 06s, 07s, and 08s) are normally shed between 2.5 and 4 years of age, replaced by the permanent premolars (Easley et al., 2011). The process of exfoliation relies on resorption of the deciduous root and timely eruption of the permanent successor.

However, retained caps can remain in place due to incomplete resorption, abnormal positioning of the permanent tooth, or disruption in occlusal pressures (Weller, 2013). When retained, these caps create abnormal contact points and interfere with the path of eruption of the permanent tooth.

Consequences of Retained Deciduous Teeth
1. Malocclusion and Eruption Disturbances
Retained caps can deflect the erupting permanent tooth, leading to angulation errors or crowding. This may cause premature dental wear patterns and contribute to conditions like shear mouth or wave mouth later in life (Dixon & Dacre, 2005).
2. Eruption Cysts
The presence of erupting teeth, particularly when delayed or deviated, often results in eruption cysts — submucosal swellings overlying erupting premolars or molars. These cysts are part of a normal developmental process, but when aggravated by retained caps, they can become painful, inflamed, and even infected (Sisson & Grossman, 1975).
3. Periodontal Disease
Retained caps often result in feed packing between the deciduous and permanent teeth. This creates an anaerobic environment ideal for the proliferation of periodontal pathogens such as Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Staszyk et al., 2015).
This bacterial load can trigger:
• Gingivitis and gingival recession
• Periodontal pocketing
• Destruction of the periodontal ligament
• Alveolar bone loss
Early onset periodontal disease in young horses is an underdiagnosed but increasingly recognised contributor to poor oral health and discomfort (Dixon & du Toit, 2011).
4. Behavioural and Training Implications
Many horses begin ridden work between the ages of 3 and 5 — during the very time their dental arcades are undergoing significant transitions. Nosebands and bits often apply pressure directly over the maxillary 06–08 region, where eruption cysts or retained caps are commonly found. Horses may exhibit:
• Resentment of bridling or contact
• Headshaking, head tilting, or abnormal chewing
• Unexplained tension or asymmetry in the poll, TMJ, or cervical region

Mandibular Symmetry and the Biomechanical Chain

The mandible is not only a tool for mastication — it is a biomechanical structure that interacts with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hyoid apparatus, and the axial and appendicular skeleton. Disruptions in occlusion or chewing symmetry can cause uneven loading through the jaw, leading to:
• Asymmetric development of the TMJ
• Altered hyoid tension patterns
• Compensatory head and neck postures
• Long-term effects on limb loading, stride symmetry, and spinal alignment

Mechanoreceptors in the periodontal ligament and TMJ provide constant proprioceptive feedback to the central nervous system. Disruption or chronic nociceptive input from periodontal inflammation alters this feedback loop, potentially affecting muscle coordination and postural tone (Haversath et al., 2013; Nickel et al., 2003).

Recommendations for Young Horse Dental Care

To reduce the risk of retained caps and associated pathology:
• Conduct oral exams every 4–6 months between ages 2–5
• Monitor for signs of oral discomfort (e.g., quidding, feed packing, bitting issues)
• Ensure caps are exfoliating in a timely and symmetrical manner
• Address malocclusion early to support balanced chewing and mandibular development
• Educate owners and trainers on the importance of functional dentition before introducing tack and training loads

Conclusion

Retained deciduous teeth in young horses are not a trivial finding. They can create a cascade of effects — from oral pain and periodontal disease to asymmetrical development of the jaw and compensatory biomechanical dysfunction. As equine professionals, we must look beyond the mouth and recognise the influence of dentition on whole-horse health and movement.

Functional teeth support a functional mandible.
A functional mandible supports a balanced body.

14/06/2025

14/06/2025

11/06/2025

Horse Owner’s Guide to Bone Spavin
By Matthew James AWCF

Bone spavin is a common yet serious condition in performance horses, often affecting their ability to remain sound and active. Early detection, proper management, and appropriate treatment are vital in mitigating its long-term effects. This guide offers a concise overview to help horse owners better understand bone spavin and how to care for horses diagnosed with this condition.

Definition
Bone spavin is a form of degenerative joint disease (DJD) that primarily affects the lower joints of the dorsal distal medial aspects of the hock joint. The tarsometatarsal joint is particularly vulnerable due to its limited range of motion combined with high impact and compressive forces. This condition can also affect the distal and proximal intertarsal joints, and may occur unilaterally (one leg) or bilaterally (both legs).

Anatomy of the Hock (Tarsus)
The tarsus, commonly known as the hock, is a large joint on the whole, consisting of a series of small bones and smaller joints located between the tibia and the 3rd metatarsal bones. It is the hardest working joint in the horse’s body, playing a vital role in movement and performance. The hock consists of:
• 7 bones
• 4 joints
• Numerous ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues
Because of its complex structure and function, the hock is highly susceptible to wear and tear, especially in athletic horses.

Causes of Bone Spavin
A range of factors can contribute to the development of bone spavin, including:
• Conformation issues (e.g., cow-hocked, sickle-hocked, base-wide)
• Performance stress (e.g., starting/stopping, pulling, jumping)
• Surface-related strain (e.g., excess road work or repetitive strain on soft ground)
• Disciplines that stress the hock, such as dressage (due to hyperextension)
• Poor foot balance or farriery
• Age-related joint degeneration

Diagnosis
Veterinary diagnosis typically includes physical examination, gait analysis, flexion tests, nerve blocks, and radiography. Symptoms may include:
• Intermittent or persistent hindlimb lameness
• Stiffness when starting exercise
• Resistance to work or performance changes
• Visible conformation changes

Veterinary Treatment Options
Although bony changes in the hock joint are irreversible, early intervention can help manage the condition and slow progression. Treatment options include:
• Moderate exercise to encourage fusion (ankylosis) of the small tarsal joints
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to manage pain and inflammation
• Joint supplements (effective in early stages)
• Steroid injections (every 6 months to reduce inflammation)
• Surgical fusion as a last resort in severe cases.

Farrier Treatment
Correct hoof balance is essential in managing bone spavin. Recommended shoeing practices include:
• Lateral extension shoes to stabilize the limb
• Set toe shoes to protect hoof wall and to reduce the flexion required of the hock through break over.
• Elevated heel shoes (used in the past) to reduce joint space and promote ankylosis
The goal is to support the limb, reduce pain, and promote joint fusion where appropriate.

Conclusion
Bone spavin is a degenerative and progressive condition that can significantly affect a horse’s performance and comfort. However, early detection, consistent management, and a collaborative approach between veterinarian and farrier can help horses remain comfortable and active. Horse owners should stay vigilant for early signs and act promptly to maintain their horse's health and soundness.

05/06/2025

Understanding Ringbone in Horses: A Guide for Horse Owners

Definition
Ringbone is a degenerative condition in horses characterized by new bone formation found below the fetlock joint (metacarpal inter-phalangeal articulation) effecting the pasterns and there joints. This over production of bone (exostosis ) is part of an arthritic process that affects performance and causes varying levels of discomfort.

Types of Ringbone
Ringbone can be classified into two main categories:
• Peri-articular Ringbone: Involves new bone growth away from the joint.
• Articular Ringbone: Involves bone formation that affects the joint surface and leads to joint degeneration and reduced mobility.
Depending on its location, ringbone is further divided into:
• High Ringbone: Affects the proximal phalanx (the upper pastern bone).
• Low Ringbone: Involves the middle phalanx (lower pastern bone), typically more severe and harder to treat.
• Ankylosis: In advanced cases, the joint may completely fuse.

Causes
Common causes of ringbone include:
• Conformational defects
• Repetitive concussion on hard surfaces
• Trauma or injury to the pastern or coffin joints
• Poor hoof balance or shoeing practices
• Chronic stress or overuse in performance horses

Diagnosis
Signs of ringbone may include:
• Heat and pain in the affected area
• Lameness, particularly when turning or circling
• Shortened stride and stiffness
• Preference for soft footing
• Occasional stumbling
• Decreased joint flexibility
• Detectable abnormal bony changes through palpation
Veterinary diagnosis typically involves:
• Clinical examination and lameness evaluation
• Radiographs (X-rays) to confirm the location and severity
• Possibly diagnostic nerve blocks to isolate pain sources

Prognosis
• Peri-articular Ringbone: Generally has a favourable prognosis. Pain is most pronounced during the active bone-forming (ossification) phase. With appropriate care, inflammation decreases over time and the horse may return to light work.
• Articular Ringbone: Often has a poorer prognosis, as the joint surface is compromised. It typically leads to progressive stiffness, decreased flexion, and retirement from high-performance activities.

Management and Treatment
While there is no cure for ringbone, it can be managed effectively with a combination of therapies:
• Veterinary supervision and ongoing assessment
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Steroidal joint injections to reduce inflammation
• Rest during flare-ups or the active ossification stage
• Cold hosing to manage heat and swelling
• Avoiding hard surfaces and minimizing concussion
• Consistent, corrective farriery, including full roller motion shoes to ease breakover and reduce joint strain.
Early detection and intervention are key to managing ringbone effectively. With diligent care and appropriate management, some horses with ringbone—particularly peri-articular cases—can continue to lead comfortable, useful lives.


BY MATTHEW JAMES AWCF

x-ray clearly shows extensive bone formation (exostosis)

28/05/2025

🐴✨ We’ve crossed the border into beautiful Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 today for a fantastic day of learning at Severnvale Equestrian Centre to deliver our “Introduction to Anatomy and Biomechanics Course.”

Today’s focus? Empowering horse owners with hands-on insights into the skeletal systems, helping you understand how structure influences soundness, movement, and wellbeing. 🦴💪

From bones to biomechanics, we’re building a 360° picture of equine health, one course at a time.

💬 Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes snaps and some lightbulb learning moments 💡📸

27/05/2025

Without sensory feedback muscles can't activate clearly or consciously.

Keep moving your nervous system.

Movement is medicine

Tom