With the weather improving and the lighter evenings, hopefully we are all getting out and about more with our horses.  Here we will discuss a few problems that may occur with your horse’s legs during the summer months, and how to avoid them – making sure your summer plans are not interrupted.

Cuts and abrasions
With time for longer rides, and more opportunities for competing, many horses sustain superficial cuts and wounds on their legs.  Sand, dirt and grit under boots can cause rubbing and irritation.  Many minor wounds can be dealt with on the yard, but if a wound is deep, large, near a joint, or your horse seems to be lame, please contact the surgery for assistance – sometimes even a small wound can be serious.

Pulls and Strains
A long canter on a sunny day is great fun for all, but sometimes it can result in injury to the tendons and ligaments in horses legs.  Muscle strains may also results from a sudden increase in exercise level.  To try and avoid this, make sure you always warm up well before enjoying faster work:  Always keep the level and speed of exercise suitable for your horse’s fitness level – if you start increasing their fitness now, by the time summer really arrives you’ll be ready for some fun rides!

Pastern Dermatitis / Cracked Heels
Pastern dermatitis, also known as cracked or greasy heel, may results from the lower legs being irritated by sand or grit, getting wet from the dew on long grass, or light sensitivity (photosensitisation, which may indicate and underlying disease).    This irritation leads to inflammation of the skin and infection with opportunistic bacteria.  Pastern Dermatitis is the same group of conditions as mud fever, which affects horses in the winter, and management and treatment are very similar.

As soon as you suspect a problem, ensure the legs are clean and the initiating factor is removed.  Wash legs with a dilute antiseptic such a Hibiscrub, dry well and consider the use of barrier creams or well fitting turnout boots.  If infection is severe, veterinary attention and treatment may be required.

Bruised Soles
Work and turnout on hard, rutted ground can result in bruised soles and lameness.  Severe bruising may in turn lead to foot abscesses.  Any lameness should be investigated, but try to avoid fast work over hard or uneven ground, and now is the time to roll your fields to give your horses a comfortable summer!

Top Tips for Looking After your Horses Legs after Exercise

• Pick out the feet.
• Check legs for swelling, heat, lumps, bumps, scrapes, cuts, or scratches.  
• Wash off any sweat or dirt, or if the legs are relatively clean and dry, brush off with a soft brush.
• After hard exercise, consider icing your horse’s legs to cool the tendons and soft tissues.  You can use ice boots, gels or a clay type preparation but check carefully for any small cuts or wounds first!

If you have any concerns about your horses legs, or general health, please contact the surgery to discuss with one of out equine team.