02 September 2008 15:28
When I bought my three-year-old Shetland x Welsh gelding six months ago, he had very long, overgrown hooves. His hooves are now almost perfect, but when I picked up his hindleg recently, it was stiff at first and then the fetlock joint clicked. Since then this has happened with both his front legs, although not as severely. Is this something he’ll grow out of?
Answer
By Your Horse
Vet Gayle Hallowell replies:
There are several things that can cause joints to click, such as joint instability, ligament problems and arthritis. It’s possible if he’s had overgrown hooves for a long time, that the weight through his legs to his hoof was transferred in an abnormal way. My advice is to get your vet to thoroughly examine him.
X-rays will give a definitive answer as to the cause of the discomfort.