11/06/2025
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Understanding Ringbone in Horses: A Guide for Horse Owners
Definition
Ringbone is a degenerative condition in horses characterized by new bone formation found below the fetlock joint (metacarpal inter-phalangeal articulation) effecting the pasterns and there joints. This over production of bone (exostosis ) is part of an arthritic process that affects performance and causes varying levels of discomfort.
Types of Ringbone
Ringbone can be classified into two main categories:
• Peri-articular Ringbone: Involves new bone growth away from the joint.
• Articular Ringbone: Involves bone formation that affects the joint surface and leads to joint degeneration and reduced mobility.
Depending on its location, ringbone is further divided into:
• High Ringbone: Affects the proximal phalanx (the upper pastern bone).
• Low Ringbone: Involves the middle phalanx (lower pastern bone), typically more severe and harder to treat.
• Ankylosis: In advanced cases, the joint may completely fuse.
Causes
Common causes of ringbone include:
• Conformational defects
• Repetitive concussion on hard surfaces
• Trauma or injury to the pastern or coffin joints
• Poor hoof balance or shoeing practices
• Chronic stress or overuse in performance horses
Diagnosis
Signs of ringbone may include:
• Heat and pain in the affected area
• Lameness, particularly when turning or circling
• Shortened stride and stiffness
• Preference for soft footing
• Occasional stumbling
• Decreased joint flexibility
• Detectable abnormal bony changes through palpation
Veterinary diagnosis typically involves:
• Clinical examination and lameness evaluation
• Radiographs (X-rays) to confirm the location and severity
• Possibly diagnostic nerve blocks to isolate pain sources
Prognosis
• Peri-articular Ringbone: Generally has a favourable prognosis. Pain is most pronounced during the active bone-forming (ossification) phase. With appropriate care, inflammation decreases over time and the horse may return to light work.
• Articular Ringbone: Often has a poorer prognosis, as the joint surface is compromised. It typically leads to progressive stiffness, decreased flexion, and retirement from high-performance activities.
Management and Treatment
While there is no cure for ringbone, it can be managed effectively with a combination of therapies:
• Veterinary supervision and ongoing assessment
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Steroidal joint injections to reduce inflammation
• Rest during flare-ups or the active ossification stage
• Cold hosing to manage heat and swelling
• Avoiding hard surfaces and minimizing concussion
• Consistent, corrective farriery, including full roller motion shoes to ease breakover and reduce joint strain.
Early detection and intervention are key to managing ringbone effectively. With diligent care and appropriate management, some horses with ringbone—particularly peri-articular cases—can continue to lead comfortable, useful lives.
BY MATTHEW JAMES AWCF
x-ray clearly shows extensive bone formation (exostosis)