Horses Foot And Lower Leg Flashcards
What effects the quality and growth rate of the horn?
Diet
Circulation
Exercise (via circulation increase)
Moisture - growth increases with wet environment
Name the five functions of the frog
Protection Weight bearing Anti-slip Anti-concussion Circulation
How does the frog aid circulation
Pushes lateral cartilage against the horn
Blood vessels are crushed between the structures, emptying them up the leg
Name the bones in the lower leg
Pedal bone Navicular Short and long pastern Sesamoid Cannon Splint Carpal Accessory Radius Ulna
Name the joints in the lower leg
Coffin joint - pedal and pastern
Fetlock joint - pastern and cannon
Carpus - cannon and radius
How is weight transferred from the sensitive structures to the wall of the foot
Frog Digital cushion Lateral cartilages Wings of the pedal bone Lamina Horn
Define hoof/pastern axis
The line of the hoof and the pastern that can be measured against the cannon bone - usually a straight line at 45 in front, 55 in back
What is a broken back axis
When the hoof slopes more than the pastern
Occurs when the toe is over long or with collapsed heel
Corrected by hoof trimming
Puts strain on the tendons and ligaments
What is a broken forward axis
When the hoof is more upright than the pastern
Occurs when the toe is too short or there is excessive heel growth
the angle of the hoof is greater than 45/55
Corrected by trimming
Can lead to concussion ailments
Why is a well shaped foot important?
Large cause of unsoundness, affects the higher structures in the leg
Very small size so balance imperative
