Curbs - Tell me what you know! x

[lcharles]

My mate from hunting has just told me his horse has curbs, came out the stable hopping lame i assume. He does nothing but hunt it, once a week or two half days. His horses are conditioned well and looked after impeccably.

So other than them being lumps below the hock, what can you tell me?

How long is his horse likely to be out of action? I think he'll turn him away for the summer as usual anyway.

What is the initial therapy? Box rest? support bandages? Turning out?

Whats the prognosis?

I asked him if he's had the vet out and he's waiting for the one he usually uses and trusts to contact him I believe. The livery yard owner is very knowledgable though so I'd imagine it is curbs if she thinks it is.

 

[AmyMay]

A curb is defined as a collection of soft tissue injuries of the distal plantar hock region.

Treatment usually consists of rest.

 

[StormyMoments]

"This term has been colloquially used to describe a swelling over the back of the hock, just above the tendons that run down the canon bone. Traditionally the swelling was thought to be due to inflammation of the long plantar ligament located in this position. However, the advances in ultrasonographic imaging have now identified a number of additional soft tissue structures, which can produce this type of swelling. The term ‘curb’ now refers to a range of different inflammatory conditions in this region of the limb. As with splints, conformational defects can make horses more likely to develop problems. Those with sickle hock and ‘in at the hock’ conformation are most at risk. Direct trauma in the region at the back of the hock can result in curb formation as can a straininduced injury to any of the tendons or ligaments in that area.

Diagnosis and treatment

The appearance of a curb swelling is best seen from the side – the bowing will show at the back below the point of the hock. The degree of associated lameness is variable, from none to severe, depending on the soft tissue structure involved and the extent of the injury. Ultrasonographic examination is, therefore, crucial to decide on the most appropriate treatment and an accurate prognosis. Horses with curb swellings may also have associated hock problems such as osteoarthritis and it’s important that the source of pain is accurately identified. In the early, acute stages, there may be obvious signs of inflammation and lameness. In more long standing cases, however, the swelling may be hard and fibrous without heat or pain and only a subtle lameness or reduction in performance. Curbs arising from direct trauma usually result in swelling around, rather than within, the tendons or ligament. These cases can usually be managed with local injection of corticosteroids to reduce the swelling and prolonged rest is not normally required. Infection of the area may result from traumatic injury and antibiotics may be needed. Spread of infection into the tendons or ligament in that region is a serious complication requiring long-term therapy. Inflammation of the tendons or ligament in the curb region requires strict rest to prevent further tendon fibre damage. Local cold therapy and antiinflammatories are also useful.

Prevention

Prevention is similar to that described for tendonitis, with particular attention paid to horses with conformational problems."

hope thats a bit of help

 

[lcharles]

Is it scar tissue then which is built up from several smaller strains/tears? Is there any way of getting rid of this? I assume it won't just go?

How long is rest? Would shockwave therapy be used?

I'm more intrigued to know as I hadn't heard of it before. His horse will be rested for summer now then I guess. Is he likely to return as a hunter or need to be in lighter work?

 

[lcharles]

Thanks StormyMoments! x

 

[mil1212]

my horse threw a curb when he was 5, seemingly the day before a showing qualifier He had no unsoundness, just a slight filling in his fetlock which I assumed was from standing in. Horse is now 17 and in the last year has indeed suffered arthritic changes in his hock, but has been happily evented all his life. We never did anything about the curb particularly, horse obviously has conformational weaknesses in his hocks, they are quite straight. My horse's curb is very slight though and suspected more of a 'false curb'. Once they are there, there they stay.