Capped elbow in horses

Capped elbow or shoe boil is a soft swelling over the point of the elbow due to trauma


Causes

• The shoe hitting against the elbow of the same limb while the horse is being exercised
  
• The horse hitting himself in stamping his foot.
  
• The horse being stabled with insufficient beddings.

Treatment

• First the cause must be determined and removed
  
• Then if is infected capped elbow antibiotics course is required.
  
• Surgical removal of this conditions is good.
  
• Serous fluid should be drained out and inject corticosteroids.

Prevention

• A plenty of bedding must be applied.
  
• A leather shoe is beneficial in preventing the iron shoe to come in contact with the elbow.
• The use of a special pad which adapts itself of the elbow in the standing and recumbent positions.

References

Horseman’s veterinary Encyclopaedia by Cheryl Rogers and Jeanne Wilcox