**Sidebone Lameness**

[watermarkfarm]

Yes, I know it is not supposed to cause lameness, but I have a 6 year old Percheron-Paint cross here (former PMU foal with lots of issues) who has a RAGING case of sidebone. It is so large in places that it is quite visible above the coronet band.

This guy has been on/off lame (often very severely lame and unable to trot or canter normally) for the past 2 years.

I am working with Dr. Jerry Black at Pioneer Equine on this. I have lots of xrays. Dr. Black initially dismissed sidebone as the cause of this horse's pretty profound lameness (both fronts) but ultimately we came to the conclusion that this was the issue.

There is very little on the internet about how to deal with the ongoing process of sidebone formation. I understand the mechanics of it quite well. But I am curious of anyone here has personal experience with this process, how long it took for all the remodeling to complete, etc. Or do you have any other info?

We are doing just about everything we can for this horse. No, he is not barefoot, as he was totally crippled until we started with therapeutic shoes. Please do not lecture me about the need to have him barefoot. I understand all the ramifications of shoeing him. I have a good shoeing team here. He was NOT ever shod until age 5, long after sidebone began. So far, natural balance shoes and 1-2 degree wedge pads are the only thing (besides bute) that helps.

I believe this is a genetic thing with him. He has had a myriad of other issues. And he is a draft.

We are doing TCM (traditional chinese medicine) and he fits the classic "hot" horse profile, too. The TCM does help with his overall health. Bone overgrowth is an offshoot of heat, according to TCM.

Any info from someone who has experience with sidebone lameness greatly appreciated. Also, any referrals to DVMs who specialize in draft horse lameness? Even the great Dr. Black is stumped about where to go next.

We have discussed nerving, but Dr. Black wants to keep tracking this thru xrays and give it another year before we think seriously about nerving. At this point, I am starting to push for nerving him. All the shuffling lameness is starting to take its toll on the horse's body. Thanks for any ideas/info you have!!

Katie

[cutiepiepmu]

Dr. Bolton at Pilchuck has delt with this to a fair degree with a range of success I do believe. In many cases this won't ever fully correct - I saw a draft that had a combination of sidebone and also mild navicular in both fronts. Pads and shoes every 3-4 weeks did help until some heal started to form. I would do some blood work on the horse as well - check mineral balances as well as liver and kidney function. I have a funny feeling that this guy may be way out of wack mineral wise which is an easily correctable thing.

I would give it at least a full 6-8 months with shoes making sure to x-ray between shoeings so that the farrier knows where to reset the shoe before you decide to nerve this kid.

I would also possibly change up the diet on this horse. If you can let me know what you are feeding I may have some input. In horses that have certain medical conditions - little changes can make a world of difference!

Sara in WA

[watermarkfarm]

Thanks for your note, cutiepiepmu.

We've done blood work every 4 months and it comes up normal as far as kidney, liver function go. The only thing it shows is very slight anemia. How do they check mineral levels? Would this be included in the normal blood panel?

Half Pint is on free-choice minerals & salt from Advanced Biological Concepts.

Half Pint is out on pasture (very dry now, very little feed) and gets just orchard grass hay. Last year I fed some rye hay.

He is being shod every 5 weeks. Currently in a natural balance shoe with a 1-2 degree wedge. Tried him in other shoe combos/3-4 degree wedges and it made him stumble badly. He has been shod since March 2006.

We are xraying every 4-6 months. Last xrays in March 2007. His angles looked very good. His heels look really good.

This horse was completely sound in March 2007, after a winter of constant improvement. He was seen by lameness vet and xrayed and given the "all clear." Then in late March 2007 became very lame again. Looking back, I am seeing a pattern of more severe lameness in the dry, summer months, and less lameness in winter. Softer feet allowing more heel expansion? Diet? Cooler weather?

Where is Pilchuck? What state/city? Is it a private clinic or a school? Sorry for my ignorance.

I'm very curious about the mineral thing and would love to talk further with you about this.

Thanks in advance, Katie & Half Pint