🩺 Equine Curb in 2025: A Vet’s Guide | Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Meta description: Learn about equine curb—soft tissue swelling in the distal hock—covering detection, ultrasound, treatment, rehabilitation and Ask A Vet support.

1. 🔬 What is Curb?

Curb refers to swelling and inflammation of the soft tissues in the distal plantar hock region—not only the long plantar ligament, but also deep/superficial digital flexor tendons, gastrocnemius tendon or tarsal collateral ligaments :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

It often manifests after repeated strain or in horses with conformational weaknesses (e.g., sickle‑hocked, cow‑hocked). Once called “throwing a curb”, we now understand it as a complex soft‑tissue injury :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

2. 🎯 Why It Matters

Curb can cause anything from mild hindlimb lameness to significant performance loss. Early detection and targeted management reduce recovery time and prevent recurrence.

3. 🚩 Recognizing the Signs

• Swelling on back/inner aspect of the hock, usually warm to the touch :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Pain on palpation or tendon strain.
• Acute-to-chronic low-grade lameness; horses may toe-first on impacted limb.
• Lameness may resolve when swelling becomes chronic but underlying damage may persist :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

4. 🧪 Diagnosis

Veterinary evaluation includes:

• Clinical exam and palpation of hock and associated soft tissues.
• Ultrasound is essential to determine the extent and location of soft-tissue injury :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• X‑rays help rule out bone lesions or concurrent changes.
• Diagnostic analgesia helps confirm lameness origin.

5. 🛠️ Treatment & Rehab

Most cases respond well to conservative management:

• Rest: Box rest for 2–4 weeks depending on severity.
• Cold therapy: Ice packs to reduce swelling; alternate heat once acute stage passes :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Medication: NSAIDs (e.g., phenylbutazone, flunixin) for 5–10 days to decrease inflammation.
• Supportive wraps or boots: Help manage edema during rest phase.
• Controlled rehab: Begin with hand-walking, escalating to under-saddle per ultrasound & clinical progress.
• Follow‑up ultrasound: At 8–12 weeks to document healing and adapt rehab.

6. 🕒 Prognosis & Recurrence

With early treatment and strict management, most horses return to full work. Risk of recurrence is reduced by addressing conformation, workload, and ensuring steady rehab.

7. 🛡️ Prevention Strategies

• Modify training to avoid repeated hindlimb strain—gradual buildup in speed/intensity.
• Regular hock evaluation—ultrasound every 6–12 months where workload dictates.
• Correct conformational issues where possible (e.g., trimming/trimming/shoeing).
• Use supportive bands during heavy work.

8. 🤝 Ask A Vet Tailored Support

Ask A Vet offers:

• 📸 Remote review of ultrasound images and swelling progression.
• 📋 Personalized rehab plans with graduated exercise steps.
• 📆 Alerts for rechecks, scan repeats, and long‑term monitoring.
• 🎓 Webinars: “Hock Health & Prevention,” “Rehab Phases Explained,” “Conformation Tips.”

9. ❓ FAQs

Can curb heal on its own?

Possibly in mild cases, but ultrasound-guided rehab ensures full resolution and reduces recurrence.

How long until back in heavy work?

Generally 3–6 months total, depending on severity and ultrasound recovery.

Is surgery ever needed?

No—cases seldom require surgery unless secondary complications are identified.

Can barefoot vs shod affect curb?

Correct trimming and supportive shoes help balance limb mechanics, reducing stress on the distal hock.

10. ✅ Final Takeaway

Equine curb is a common but manageable soft-tissue injury of the hock region. Diagnosis via ultrasound, rest with controlled rehab, anti-inflammatories, and conformation/workload adjustments support successful outcomes. With Ask A Vet's remote support—rehab plans, monitoring, reminders—you’ll guide your horse through recovery and back to peak fitness, now and into 2025 and beyond.