Sore Shins

Bone pain is an occupational hazard for all athletes. Horses are no exception and bone pain is a common consequence of training horses for fast galloping competition, especially racing. This pain is caused by the bone's natural response as it adapts to the stresses of training and working at speed.

The racehorse's bones change dramatically as training progresses in order to support the huge forces sustained by a galloping horse. However, while the bones undergo this transformation, there may be pain and discomfort, which can lead to sore shins, properly known as dorsal metacarpal disease.

Signs to look out for

 There may be no lameness, but some heat and pain affecting the front of the cannon bone. More frequently, the horse will be mildly lame, although this may appear more as stiffness or shortness of stride, since both front limbs are frequently involved. Almost invariably, heat can be felt in the front of the cannon bones (see above), and the bones will be painful to examine by touch.

In occasional cases, X-rays may be required, to look for production of new bone on the front of the cannon bone. In severe cases, X-rays may investigate the possibility of fractures on the front of the bone, as a result of sore shins. Bone scans are occasionally used.

Prevention and treatment

 Prevention of sore shins is better than treating them. Once a horse has clinical signs, treatment probably has a limited effect on the course of the disease. Most cases will be treated by anti-inflammatories either rubbed into the leg or given by injection or by mouth. Cold hosing is another method to soothe the legs, best done three times a day for a period of ten minutes each time. Finally, rest is the best way to let the horse’s body heal itself, and in conjunction with cold hosing or anti-inflammatories can help ease the suffering for your horse.

The most important thing is to limit further damage. The bone has to be given a chance to remodel and repair, and this is best done by restricting fast work. Swimming is useful to maintain cardiovascular fitness while stopping loading of the limbs that would further exacerbate the condition. There is no doubt that fast work in itself can increase the risk of sore shins. However, there is now good evidence that horses which do not gallop during training are at a higher risk of sustaining serious limb fractures, so it is vital that we expose them to work at racing speeds; it has been suggested that horses which undergo regular fast work over shorter distances are less likely to develop sore shins, therefore this may be a method you could use in order to strengthen the shins whilst reducing the risks.

If you are worried that your horse is showing signs of sore shins, then do not hesitate to contact your vet for a consultation.

Animal Friends Insurance offers a wide range of comprehensive equine cover which you can tailor make to suit you. Phone today on 0844 57 32 100 or email us at info@animalfriends.co.uk and get a quote today.