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Equine Blemishes: Curbs

Last Updated: September 23, 2009

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Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky

A curb is a hard enlargement on the rear of the cannon bone immediately below the hock It is due to stress. A curb develops as an inflammation and subsequent thickening of the plantar ligament on the back of the hock. This condition is associated with sickle or cow-hocked horses. A curb will result in lameness but generally subsides with rest. Thickened scar tissue remains as a permanent blemish.

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