Dealing with the conformationally challenged Thoroughbred

Conformational abnormalities are common in Thoroughbreds and care should be taken to identify animals in which conformational abnormalities are likely to lead to associated musculoskeletal problems and lameness.

Conformation giving cause for concern

Front limb
• Angular limb deformities (valgus/varus in carpus and fetlock).
• Inward and outward joint rotation in the lower limb.
• Laterally offset cannon bones to the carpus.
• Backward knee conformation.
• Broken back hoof/pastern axis.

Hindlimb
• Base narrow.
• Valgus/varus angular limb deformities in tarsus and fetlock.
• Post legged and sickle hocks (Fig 1).

Identification of abnormalities

A number of techniques should be employed to identify horses in which conformational abnormalities are likely to be significant, these should include, but are not limited to, static and dynamic examination of the limb, observation of the horse in work, radiography, and in some cases advanced imaging such as MRI. It should be noted that it is not possible to correctly identify, diagnose and treat conformational abnormalities of the hoof during static examination alone.  […]