03/11/2025
Splint bone fracture in the horse ⤵️
Horses have two narrow bones alongside the cannon bone in each limb:
🦴Metacarpal II & IV (front legs)
🦴Metatarsal II & IV (hind legs)
Otherwise known as the splint bones.
📜These are remains of ancient toes and are supported by the suspensory ligament, running in between them at the back of the cannon bone.
🐎A splint bone fracture is a common injury, and can occur at any part of the bone, but typically happens at the lower third of the bone. This is usually due to direct trauma such as kicks or knocks.
🩻 In the picture you can see a splint fracture in one of my patient that was surgically removed.
