Re: RC: joint growth on babies

[DESERTRYDR1@aol.com]

Actually I do want the breeders' input.  There's nothing my friend can do 
about the horses except try to give them the best care she can, and maybe 
educate this guy (who knows it ALL!)  So far she is responsible for getting a 
two-year old (who is nothing special) gelded, and a trip to the vet to 
evaluate a club foot that might need check ligament surgery for another two 
year old.  This year's babies are getting NW Supplement because she is buying 
it.  I try to tell her that she will get nothing in return for her extra care 
but she can't stand to see horses treated with such neglect, and just bills 
the guy for stuff.  Don't know that she will get paid...  She also halter 
broke the two year old (now) gelding, and the guy wonders why that one is so 
good and the other two year olds fight and rear and can't be lead.  He 
actually thinks it was gelding him that did the trick.

Truly we do want advice on whether this knobby joint thing is a problem or 
just a typical growth stage.  It's the HORSES we care about.  Maybe nothing 
will change, but maybe this guy will come home and realize there's more to 
breeding horses than putting a mare and stallion together.  Any advice to 
help her out so she can get a vet if necessary would be great.  Realize you 
can't tell from a description on the net, but if people who have had lots of 
foals haven't  seen this type of thing, we will be looking for a vet visit.  
Help!   jeri