Curb A curb is a sprain of the soft structures in the area.
ligament of the tarsus. It may involve other
Sprains serious enough to cause curbs occur when a horse is pulled up sharply on their haunches and those who go over jumps too strongly. Horses that walls or who are kicked in the area can suffer from a curb. hock predispose for curbs as these conditions put excess strain on the long plantar ligament at the back of the hock. Horses involved in reining, working cattle or jumpers are predisposed. Conformation defects such as Signs of acute sprain include lameness with pain and swelling over the ligament just below the point of hock. The horse will stand resting the affected limb to raise the heel off the ground. A chronic curb may not cause lameness, but the tissues will be fibrosed.
Diagnosis includes signs and symptoms as well as ultrasound to rule out other soft tissue injury.
Treatment is rest, anywhere from 1-4 weeks. Cold therapy and compression to the LPL is beneficial. Oral and topical NSAIDs and DMSO can be given as well as HA or CS to help reduce pain and swelling. Laser, magnets, therapeutic ultrasound, shockwave and massage can all benefit recovery as well.
Prognosis is excellent for return to athletic function. Usually once the swelling has subsided, the curb remains as a cosmetic .
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