An enlargement or stress fracture on the front of the cannon bone between the knee and the fetlock joints. In the case of an enlargement, there has been trauma to the periosteum (thin sheathing which covers the bone), most often caused by concussion. Generally, the condition is confined to soreness, but if a periostitis (calcium deposit)* occurs new bone growth can result that gives one the perceived look of a "bucked" shin.
The cannon bone or shinbone of the foreleg is most commonly affected in the middle at the front-facing surface and repeated concussion of the area can result in small compression stress fractures of this part of the cannon bone. X-rays will be required to assess the bone for stress or chip fractures. Warm, painful swelling is characteristic. This condition is more common in young horses in heavy training.
* The periostium is the outer coating of the bone, and when it becomes inflamed, it is called periostitis.
An enlargement or stress fracture on the front of the cannon bone between the knee and the fetlock joints. In the case of an enlargement, there has been trauma to the periosteum (thin sheathing which covers the bone), most often caused by concussion. Generally, the condition is confined to soreness, but if a periostitis (calcium deposit)
