GROSS Growth!!!

[MustangAppy]

OMG. Sierra has been resting her right rear leg a lot, and I kept checking her hoof (it was the one that kept breaking off on one side, but has grown out). Well, I don't usually have to hold it up, just tap her leg and then cradle the foot, but today, I go to pick it up, she won't. So, I pull on her pastern a little, and there buried in the fetlock is this horny growth as big around as my thumb and about 1 1/2 inches long. Now the farrier didn't notice this 6 weeks ago, and I haven't noticed it before, but it is really weird looking. It is leathery, not raw in any way, and doesn't seem to be attached to any muscle or bone, but I am wondering if it is bothering her enough to have her off like that on her back leg. I have no idea what it is. I will try to get photos. Vet is due out to give shots, so I will have it checked. I am so grossed out, this thing is ugly.

[crum]

Are you talking about her ergot or something else? If it is just her ergot it is perfectlyl normal to have one.

[MustangAppy]

Her ergot on her other legs are normal, this one isn't. This is seriously big and ugly.

[toeps]

Found this-

The ergot is thought to be another vestige of a toe similar to the chestnut. It grows from the rear underside of the fetlock joint. The composition is somewhat like soft hoof wall material. It tends to be somewhat tougher than the chestnut and not so easy to peel away with your fingers. On some horses it will be a very small nub, while on others it may be much larger, curling and splitting as it grows. If it becomes long and unsightly you can trim it down with hoof clippers or ask your farrier to trim it when he trims your horse’s feet.

Is it sore or painful?