POP QUIZ

THE TEXTURE OF TROUBLE

Q:Which of the following lumps on a horse's leg is most likely to be the source of ongoing lameness? a. a cold, squishy lump on the outside of the fetlock joint b. a small, very firm bump on the inside of the cannon bone, a few inches

below the knee c. a warm, soft lump along the back of the cannon bone

c. A warm, soft swelling on the back of the cannon bone may be the result of a soft-tissue injury. If the injury was recent, the area will probably also be sensitive and the horse most likely is lame.

A cold, squishy swelling on the outside of the fetlock joint is probably a windpuff, a harmless collection of fluid commonly found in older horses and not associated with lameness.

A small, firm bump on the inside or outside of the cannon bone is likely a splint that formed as the tendon between the splint and cannon bones ossified. New splints are usually soft, with associated inflammation, and can cause lameness, but once they mature and “set,” they typically cause no trouble.