So It's Side Bone - Any info people?

[Chavhorse]

So after a full lameness work-up and x-ray's of both fronts it is now confirmed it is side bone in both fronts, right front it is fully ossified on both sides (looks like a large stag has taken up residence from the rear shot!) Left foot is fully ossified on the right hand side and about half way up on the left.

On a positive note nothing else at all is wrong with either foot, Navicular bone looks perfect on both feet.

Vet nerve blocked him and he was 90" after the low injection on this left leg so at least we know what is causing the lameness on hard surfaces which is the side bones in the left foot still ossifying, he is still totally sound with no nerve block in the sand school.

Vardi is staying overnight so vet can do a belt and braces sonograph tomorrow.

So vet is saying remedial shoes, with a gel pad and short toe to aid roll over, I have asked if we go down this route is it not a case of taking out your cannons at the beginning of the war as it were.

So you all knew it was coming......can I have positive side bone stories please and options of trimming or remedial shoeing.

This horse will be the death of me I swear it!
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[gem1979]

My boy was diagnosed with sidebone 3 years ago when he was 12 in both front feet although more progressive on the left. He was turned away that winter as had been lame on and off duting the summer and autumn. He came back into work gently the following spring. He has been shod since slightly long at the back and slightly wide to the outside to give support as well as a short toe. I also began feeding him Extraflex HA from Feedmark later that year. Since then apart from the odd footy day we've had no problems with it. I'm careful on hard ground and try to avoid trotting much on the roads. Good luck with your boy.

 

[Monkers]

Sidebone usually settles well once it's ossified. The hoof capsule will change shape a little and become slightly square to accommodate the sidebone.

Major remedial shoeing could be expensive and might be a bit of a slegdehammer to crack a nut scenario! Have a chat with your farrier and see what he says, but I would be inclined to rest the horse until he's sound, and bring back into work slowly after that, much as you would for a splint. He should be fine long term, but I would avoid trotting on hard ground as a precaution.