ASKHQ: WHAT IS PEDAL OSTEITIS?

Q: What is pedal osteitis?

A: Pedal osteitis describes inflammatory changes in the pedal bone (P3), otherwise known as the coffin bone, of the foot. It can be seen on X-Ray with changes to the surface and borders or P3.

Areas of new bone formation or of bone loss (lysis) may be seen on the bone, particularly around the edges. Pedal osteitis usually occurs as a result of trauma to the hoof – usually repeated low-level trauma. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are likely to settle the acute inflammation, and the horse will in all likelihood come sound again at this point.

However, the condition will recur if the cause of the trauma is not dealt with.