Osselets

[ragsdaj]

I have researched the internet and found several definitions of the term Osselets. I have not been able to determine if the condition is hereditary.

[madelyn]

Everything I have learned so far about osselets are that they are not hereditary but exercise-induced.

[Shammy Davis]

Madelyn is right. Osselets are result of chronic trauma and concussion. Be assured that if a horse is run long enough and hard enough they are going to have osselets. Fortunately, it can be treated. If a horse has osselets, be sure to check for signs of trauma induced laminitis also. Seedy toe may be the first revelation of laminitis. Another sign of a horse that has suffered a great deal of hoof trauma is an irregular (wavy) coronary band.

[ragsdaj]

thanks for taking the time to post a reply. I appreciate the information

[madelyn]

Shammy.. I am in my forever quest to learn more... can you describe trauma induced laminitis? Might that explain a horse who founders only in one leg, below the knee, sheds the sole, etc., and comes back sound in a month or so? I got an OTTB, the track vet had diagnosed the leg with a suspensory injury, but those take forever and the leg went down in two weeks with just wrapping, hosing, etc., and the horse came back sound in a month but showed founder in the one hoof.

[Shammy Davis]

Madelyn: What you describe sounds accurate, particularly if it is an OTTB. I've worked with a number of OTTB's that have presented themselves with one slightly clubbed hoof. Typically, one hoof is involved. The other hoof is normally flat and the wall is flared because the horse is shifting his weight off the injured hoof. Soles on both fore hooves are typically weak and prone to disease/absess. Seedy toe is normally present. Lameness that presents itself as a random occurrence on one leg may be a result of damage to the laminae or it maybe a result of something else. It is hard to tell without examining the hooves and legs. I've found with my own OTTB's that hoof problems are the rule not the exception. If you are in doubt get an X-Ray. The position of the coffin bone will tell you for sure. It doesn't take but the slightest deviation of the coffin bone to induce pain. With rest alone the problem resolves in a matter of weeks. Once put back to work, the horse does fine for some time and then has another episode. Take a look at the horse's form. I've been able to tell when the breakdown occurred by examining the horse's race record. Look to a race where there is a dramatic reduction in form. It's that race, a very recent prior race or recent workouts normally are the culprit. If your horse is a broodmare, you will want to pay particular attention to her health. An episode of founder no matter what the cause is a recipe for infertility or abortion.