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<< OK, when I hear fetlock chips I think "overdorsiflexion of the fetlock"
as opposed to concussive problems. This could come as a consequence of
fatigue or lots of terrain difficulties--hills, etc.
ti>>
Tom:
I agree with the over dorsiflexion but not the cause that you attribute it
to. The three Morris horses Karen refered to have much more hill work than
any of those with problems and ride harder in more difficult terrain.
I subscribe to some of Rooney's concepts on the cause being the foot
periodically not in sync and having to speed up to land properly. This
causes a flipping motion over extending the foot (speed of motion with mass
of foot) and fetlock joint. Then the impact of landing with a dorsiflexed
fetlock. An additional insult also occurs, due to the more rapid motion, of
actual joint erosion caused by the hypervelocity induced in the sonovial
fluid going from one side of the joint to the other.
In our experience, up hill travel in the properly conditioned horse will
see the forefoot actually landing in a flexed, toe first, condition, then
the fetlock straightens and with the impulsion of the rear the toe breaks
over on the front foot.
Now, it could occur with a poorly conditioned horse that the forefoot does
land in an extended condition and in working off the forehand and "pulling"
instead of pushing the fetlock then can become dorsiflexed.
With my knowledge of the horses considered, the four that underwent surgery,
this was not the case as these were well conditioned, competitive horses.
But then I was not there when the damage was precipitated.
Just a concept different than yours and I am open to discussion. Let me hear
your ideas.
Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID
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