07/31/2026
Here are Pebbles’ radiographs and some information on what’s wrong with them-
The imaging of Pebbles’ right forelimb shows what was happening internally:
-Rotation downwards of P3, also known as the distal phalanx, the coffin bone, or the pedal bone.
-Improper angling of P2, also known as the middle phalanx or the short pastern bone.
-A bone spur on the front of P2.
-The incorrect angles of P2 and P3 causing the navicular bone to rub against the back of P2.
-Mottling/breakdown of the bone density of P3.
Externally, we could see:
-Lack of toe (one of the main contributing factors to her pain).
-Minimal heel to be removed to relieve some of the pressure on her toes.
-We could also feel where her soft tissues were started to bulge from the strain placed on them from the incorrect angles.
A combination of these factors had her in pain while walking, despite our efforts for pain management and hoof growth.
We could have opted for a deep digital flexor tenotomy- a surgery that cuts the deep digital flexor tendon to stop the tendon from pulling on P3. Even combined with corrective trimming, she still had a low success rate. This would have been a long and painful process for her, and with all contributing factors in mind, we felt that humane euthanasia was the best course of action for her. Some people will disagree with this decision, but at the end of the day, the comfort of the animal is our priority and it was not fair to keep Pebbles in pain.
Run free in the greener pastures in the sky, Pebbles. 💙