Conformational term relating to forelimbstance as viewed from the side. The leg axis is straight, but is angled to the front, a vertical line dropped from the elbow meets the ground well behind the hoof.

Cancellous bone has a spongy structure consisting of interconnecting rods and plates of bone (called trabeculae). The spaces surrounding the trabeculae contain blood vessels and bone marrow.  Cancellous bone is located primarily at the ends of long bones and in the vertebrae and is always surrounded by the denser compact bone.

A chronic hypertrophic disease of the dermis (corium) and horn producing epithelium of the frog, the sole and occasionally the wall. The disease presents layers of soft, occasionally necrotic horn over a swollen dermis covered in a foul smelling exudate that bleeds easily. Cause is chronic exposure to damp and unhygienic conditions and neglected hoof care. Treatment is time consuming and involves the surgical removal of all affected tissue.

A strong long bone between the carpus and the fetlock joint in the forelimb.

A strong long bone between the hock and the fetlock joint on the hindlimb.

An asymmetric three beat gait that can be performed at a variety of speeds, but is usually faster than a trot and slower than a gallop. As it is an asymmetricgait it can be performed in 2 mirrored footfall patterns. A hind limb is followed by the diagonal pair of limbs moving synchronously (2nd hindlimb and trailing forelimb) and finally the leading forelimb. This sequence is always followed by a period of suspension. A right lead canter therefore has the footfall pattern left hind > right hind and left fore > right fore; the left lead canter right hind > left hind and right fore > left fore. At very slow speeds (a high degree of collection), the diagonal pair may separate creating a 4 beat pattern.

Caudal (rear) part of the saddle; the back of the seat.

A measure of peripheral perfusion (circulation in the capillary blood vessels). It is assessed by applying digital pressure to the gums of an animal for approximately 5s to cause blanching (a white patch caused by the blood being forced out of the capillary blood vessels). Subsequnently the time taken for the blood to return and the area to return to its normal pink colour is asssessed. Normal capillary refill time is 2s.

A swelling in the region of the point of the elbow (over the olecranon) which is caused by repeated trauma or pressure. Common causes are horses shod with permanent studs or calks lying with flexed forelimbs. Thickening of the skin and subcutis is frequently accompanied by an accumulation of fluid in the olecranon bursa (fluid filled sack over the point of the elbow).

A swelling over the point of the hock which can attain a considerable size. The cause is an accumulation of fluid in the subcutaneous bursa (Bursa calcanea subcutanea).