Foal with splints

[Goonhorse]

I posted this on another forum, but thought I'd post it here as well, because there doesn't seem to be too much information.

I have a 3 1/2 week old filly who has had splints since she was at least 24 hours old. She could have been born with them, for all I know. Has anyone else had an experience with this or any advice. My vet had never seen such a young foal with splints before, and he wasn't terribly worried, but I guess that didn't quite ease my worry.

A picture of her legs:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa65/bornnraisedhawkeye/DSC02086.jpg?t=1246713677

[2enduraceriders]

The only time I have seen this in young horses it was form a very unbalanced diet.
What was the Ca:Ph balance f you grain and hay the mare was getting?

[Androcles]

I know of a foal right now that is about 6 weeks old and got them at around 4 weeks. It seems to be from running around a lot as his joints are swollen too. I think his diet is okay but don't know for certain.

[Goonhorse]

The only time I have seen this in young horses it was form a very unbalanced diet.
What was the Ca:Ph balance f you grain and hay the mare was getting?

I'm not sure. She was and is only on pasture, which has grass (timothy for sure, not sure what else), alfalfa, and clover. And plenty of all of it. :D She also has access to a loose vitamin and mineral supplement. This is what it is: http://www.jeffersequine.com/ssc/product.asp?CID=1&pf_id=0029637

According to this website it's 16% calcium and 8% phosphorus.

[QM2]

Although your foal's appear to be large, it is normal to see the bell of the splint in foals. It does look like a "popped" splint a lot of times but is normal. I wouldn't worry too much this is probably what it is. As they grow it will blend in and you won't see them any more.

[2enduraceriders]

That sounds perfect......the only suggestion I have is to watch her eat. With plenty to choose from she may be just eating one type of tasty greens.

[SmartAlex]

Although your foal's appear to be large, it is normal to see the bell of the splint in foals. It does look like a "popped" splint a lot of times but is normal. I wouldn't worry too much this is probably what it is. As they grow it will blend in and you won't see them any more.

Agreed... I noticed them on my foal before he was an hour old. I haven't felt for them recently, but last time I noticed, they had gotten relatively smaller. I run my hands down his legs at least weekly when I pick up his feet, so I'm thinking they have probably diminished to the point they are barely noticeable.

[deltawave]

Bonnie popped a little splint when she was about a month old, painless but very prominent. It faded slowly and now that she's grown up I honestly can't even remember which leg it was. No residual swelling, deformity, or any problems. FWIW.

[Goonhorse]

Thanks, everyone! I'm feeling a lot less worried now. :) She's definitely not lame, so I guess I'll just keep a close eye on them and make sure they don't get worse or anything.

[092556]

I had a pony colt born several years ago with what looked like splints, I believe the vet said it was his splint bones weren't attached to the cannon bone like they were suppose to be. He never had a problem with them.