Fractures
If you have ever been around horses, you will be aware of the frequency with which horses injure themselves compared to our other pets. This may be partly related to the flight rather than fight response horses have to certain situations. They also have a large body mass (often in excess of 500 kg) on a relatively thin support structure (limbs) which is poorly protected by muscle coverage. Horses are athletes and these factors combined, make severe injuries in the horse inevitable. Fractures represent a serious, potentially life-threatening injury in the horse.
An x-ray showing a fracture of the short pastern bone (middle phalanx)
©Rossdale and Partners Diagnostic Centre