Curb

Veterinary advice should be sought before applying any treatment or vaccine.

Curb

Long Plantar Ligament Desmitis

Curb is the inflammation and thickening of the plantar tarsal ligament, a ligament that is located near the hock joint.
Curb location horses
The plantar ligament runs down the back of the calcaneus and attaches onto the back of the lower tarsal bones and the top of the cannon and splint bones. This resulting in the appearance of a small, firm swelling just below the point of the hock (referred to as the calcaneus), on the back of the leg. It is most apparent from a side view of the leg. In the initial, early stages when the swelling first develops, horses may also show mild lameness.

Curb can occur as a result of trauma such as from getting kicked by another horse or kicking a solid object, sudden overflexion of the hock (often the result of sliding stops), or from chronic strain on the ligament due to faulty conformation (especially horses with sickle hocks).

Symptoms

Mild, often transient lameness
Small, firm swelling on the back of the hock

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical exam
  • Ultrasonography

Support

Therapies

TherapiesDetails
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
Anti-inflammatory therapy
Injection of sodium hyaluronate or corticosteroids if done when swelling first occurs
Laser therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound
Magnetic field therapy

Prevention

Prognosis

Excellent for return to full athletic use.

Scientific Research

General Overviews

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Risk Factors

  • Recent tendon or ligament injury
  • Poor, (sickle hocked) conformation