Coronary Band Temperatures Tested

An experimental study was conducted with six normal horses to investigate the effects of dietary fructan levels and ambient temperatures on the temperature of the coronary band.

Horses were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups, with treated horses receiving different levels of the carbohydrate fructan added to their diet. The temperature of the skin just above the coronet was measured hourly from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and compared between treatment groups, with the horse’s rectal temperature and the ambient outdoor temperature.

Coronary band temperatures followed a diurnal pattern and increased as ambient temperatures increased. There was no apparent effect of fructan in the diet. None of the horses developed signs of laminitis. There were occasional significant temperature differences (31 F) between limbs and relatively rapid and substantial changes (28 F in an hour). It is apparent that skin temperatures above the coronet can change quickly and substantially. The authors advise caution when interpreting coronary band temperature as an indicator of hoof disease.

— Rosenmeier JG et al. AJVR 2012;73:719-723.

Bone Fragments as Navicular Issue

A case-control study was conducted to assess the significance of fragmentation of the distal border of the navicular bone, the shape of the palmar cortex and proximal and distal extensions of the palmar surface.

The study included 55 sound and 377 lame horses examined during prepurchase and lameness exams, respectively. Radiographs were evaluated retrospectively and lesions were recorded, measured, graded and compared between sound and lame horses; including, specifically, those…