What is a horse Osselet?

Osselets, which is from the Latin meaning “little bone,” are unique to horses who run for a living. During high-speed gallops, the fetlock joints of speed horses, particularly those with long pasterns, can dorsiflex (extend) so much that the pasterns sink almost parallel with the track surface.

What causes Osselets in horses?

Osselets is caused by stress on the fetlock, which results in a stretching of the joint capsule. If the inflammation damages the cartilage of the joint, swelling in that area can become chronic and permanent. The joint capsule can also thicken.

What are Windpuffs in horses?

Windpuffs, also known as windgalls, are a cosmetic blemish of the ankles (fetlocks) in horses similar to thoroughpin near the hocks. Specifically, windpuffs are fluid swelling of the tendon sheath makes the legs appear puffy or swollen.

What is a wither on a horse?

Definition of withers 1 : the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse — see horse illustration. 2 : a part corresponding to the withers in a quadruped (such as a dog) other than a horse.

Why do horses legs stocked up?

Stocking up occurs when a horse stands still for extended periods of time. The equine lymphatic system, which is responsible for “pumping” excess fluids from between cells back into the circulatory system, works best when aided by movement of surrounding tendons, muscles and ligaments.

What are bucked shins in horses?

Bucked shins refers to tiny stress fractures in the front of the cannon bones. Treatment for splints and bucked shins often consists of rest and anti-inflammatory drugs. Signs of bucked shins include pain, swelling around the area (soft and then hard) and sometimes lameness.

How do you fix laminitis in horses?

Laminitis is a medical emergency and horses should be seen by a vet so that they can receive treatment as soon as possible. Various medicines can be given to control the pain including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as phenylbutazone (‘bute’) or flunixin and opiates like morphine and pethidine.

What is a wither on a dog?

This is the area above the shoulder and is used to measure the height of the dog from the ground.

What is a horses mouth called?

The muzzle is the part of the horse’s head that includes the area of the mouth, nostrils, chin, lips, and front of the nose.

Can you ride a horse that’s stocked up?

Stocking up doesn’t cause lameness or affect the gait, and each leg will be equally puffy. Treating stocking up is as simple as getting the horse moving—either with turnout, riding or even hand-walking.