Curb (horse)

In equine terminology, a curb refers to a thickening of the plantar ligament on the back of the hock joint of a horse. It is considered a blemish, not necessarily causing lameness, although severe cases can result in pain and impaired movement.

Causes:

Curbs are most commonly caused by strain or trauma to the plantar ligament. This can occur due to:

• Conformation: Horses with sickle hocks (excessive angle to the hock) or post-legged conformations (straight hocks) are predisposed to curbs due to increased stress on the plantar ligament.
• Overwork: Strenuous activity, especially jumping or working on uneven ground, can strain the ligament.
• Trauma: A direct blow to the hock can also cause a curb.
• Poor Shoeing: Incorrect shoeing can alter the horse's gait and place undue stress on the hock.

Symptoms:

The primary symptom of a curb is a visible swelling or thickening on the back of the hock, a few inches below the point of the hock. Other symptoms may include:

• Lameness, especially in the early stages of the injury. The degree of lameness can vary from mild to severe.
• Heat and pain upon palpation of the affected area.
• Stiffness in the hock joint.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is typically based on a physical examination, which includes palpation of the hock and observation of the horse's gait. Radiographs (X-rays) may be taken to rule out other causes of hock enlargement, such as bone spavin or fractures. Ultrasound can also be used to assess the condition of the plantar ligament.

Treatment:

Treatment for curbs focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Common treatments include:

• Rest: Rest is crucial to allow the plantar ligament to heal. The duration of rest will depend on the severity of the injury.
• Cold Therapy: Applying cold packs or hosing the hock with cold water can help reduce inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as phenylbutazone ("bute") may be administered to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Topical Medications: Topical anti-inflammatory ointments or liniments may be applied to the affected area.
• Bandaging: Support bandages can help stabilize the hock and reduce swelling.
• Corrective Shoeing: Corrective shoeing can help improve the horse's gait and reduce stress on the hock.
• Injections: In some cases, corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid may be injected into the hock joint to reduce inflammation and improve joint lubrication.

Prognosis:

The prognosis for curbs varies depending on the severity of the injury and the horse's response to treatment. Many horses with curbs can return to work, although they may be more susceptible to re-injury. A curb will likely remain as a cosmetic blemish even after the inflammation subsides. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to improve the prognosis.