Coronary Band Disease

Although not a new disease, coronary band dystrophy (CBD) as described by Dr. Steve O’Grady at the annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners is a relatively unheard of condition. This case series presented the clinical findings and treatment of 18 warmblood or warmblood cross cases of CBD characterized by severe hyperkeratosis of the coronary bands on all four feet.

Treatment includes careful debridement of the lesions at the coronary band with continued smoothing of the hoof below the coronet as the hoof grows out along with
immunosuppressive doses of a corticosteroid decreasing over time, a topical corticosteroid ointment, systemic antibiotics and, if necessary, systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. Response to treatment in the form of new, normal hoof wall growth is relatively rapid (3-6 weeks). Unfortunately, the disease is only controlled, never cured; and lower doses of corticosteroid treatment may be needed indefinitely.

— O’Grady SE. AAEP 2020;66:473-478

Sidewinder Horses Explained

Researchers at UC Davis in California joined forces with their peers in the United Kingdom to conduct a retrospective study from 2000 to 2019 of horses demonstrating a sidewinder gait abnormality. A sidewinder gait (also known as crab walking) is characterized by a disconnected movement where the body and hind limbs track sideways compared with the front limbs. In severe cases, an unstable posture including leaning and circling may also occur. Thirty-seven horses were initially identified in hospital records with 24 animals that had complete clinical information remaining in the study.

Various breeds and both…