Curb in horses

Curb is a thickening of the plantar tarsal ligament. This is short ligament that starts just below the point of the hock and run down to the head of the cannon bone.

When strained or injured , it ruptures along with surrounding blood vessels.

Causes

• Excessive work
• Falling
• Slipping
• Kicking
• Strain can come from overexertion when jumping or pulling
• Poor conformation
• Cow hock -leg points outward due to irregularly set back knees
• Sickle hock -Irregular angled hock

Signs

Enlargement below the point of the hock

Inflammation and lameness

Affected areas becomes warmth

The horse stands with the leg at rest and the heel elevated to reduce tension on the ligament

Treatment

Anti inflammatory can be given to reduce the pain and swelling.

Cold therapy can be given and complete rest is needed for at least one month.

Reference

Horsemans veterinary encyclopedia by Cheryl Rogers and G.Jeanne wilcox