“I have a yearling QH with a very strange problem with his hind pasterns that I have never seen before.”…
Was hoping you could tell me what it is so I could research it. He didn’t do this as a foal. He does it on both back feet, though the pic isn’t as clear for both. He’s been out in the pasture all winter and I just started working with him and noticed that he prefers to stand with his feet like this. It looks horrible – it looks like he is very deformed. He can straighten them both no problem. Is this a cause for concern or will he just grow out of it? Is it a feed problem or a lack of vitamin or a lack of exercise? Any help you could give would be appreciated.
Dr. Kimberly Gryl’s Answer:
Sharalee:
From your pictures, it appears your colt has a severe case of Epiphysitis. This is a deformity that occurs during the growth period, and is inflammatory in nature. His bones are outgrowing his tendons, and therefore he is standing more upright than normal. This can be very serious, and may end up needing surgery. It may also end up limiting his performance capability. You need to get advice from your local veterinarian, as far as treatment/prognosis. A lot of it can be managed by diet, depending upon the extent. Again, according to your part of the country, your veterinarian should be consulted. You should, however, start him on MSM (at label dose) right away.
“He goes to take step and instead of just a smooth flex of the pastern it kind of clicks into place…”
I have a yearling paint that is really big for his age. He did have a growth spurt recently; I did have to up his feed also. He was looking ribby. I’ve noticed his hind pasterns are doing this clicking thing. He goes to take step and instead of just a smooth flex of the pastern it kind of clicks into place.
What is that?
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi LJW,
It sounds as if your yearling may be experiencing some evidence of epiphisitis. This is a bone condition that can be seen when a young growing horse is possibly growing to fast, or has a nutritional imbalance. You should contact your Veterinarian and have a complete exam on your yearling. From there, suggestions can be made that can help reverse the epiphysitis problem, if that is, in fact, what the problem is.
