Ringbone is a form of osteoarthritis in horses which affects the coffin joint (low ringbone) or the pastern joint (high ringbone). Ringbone can be caused by damage within the joint (articular), or from damage to the structures which surround and support the joint (periarticular), such as the joint capsule or ligaments. When ringbone involves a joint, is it more likely to cause lameness than when it doesn't involve a joint (non-articular).

Ringbone Risk Factors

Horses with poor conformation and/or hoof alignment issues are predisposed to developing ringbone later in life. These include upright pasterns, long toe-low heels, toed-in or toed-out, or improper hoof angle. These flaws exert stress on the horse's joints. Horses participating in certain equestrian disciplines are also more at risk of developing ringbone. Horses used for jumping (landing after the jump), barrel racing (associated with the sharp turns), roping (sudden hard stops), carriage, parade, or police horses (working on pavement).

Clinical Signs of Ringbone

Ringbone symptoms may be difficult to catch in the early stages of the disease. While riding, horses may develop a short, shuffling, or choppy gait, stop performing activities they used to normally do (such as jumping, performing sharp turns, or sudden stops), or appear less willing to move forward. Symptoms may vary from day to day and will differ depending on whether one or both legs are affected. After a short rest period, lameness may appear to have resolved only to return once work is restarted. When low ringbone is severe, it can sometimes cause an obvious bony swelling at the horse's coronet which is sometimes referred to as 'pyramidial disease' or 'buttress foot'.