It may cause lameness. Response to cleanliness and treatment is usually prompt and complete. Scratches or grease heel is characterized by inflammation and scab formation on the back surfaces of the fetlocks. Prevent as for thrush. The front legs bear about 60 percent of the weight of a horse.
Healthy horses stand at rest with weight equally distributed on both front legs.
Pointing refers to a state of rest with one foot positioned about 10 to 12 inches ahead of the other in an effort to reduce weight on the affected side. Weight is shifted habitually from one hind limb to the other by healthy horses during rest and does not indicate lameness. If lameness persists more than a few days, a veterinarian should treat splints. Small swellings around the ankles and lower cannons are common to horses that are used heavily or trailered a lot, or to older animals. Those with adequate flat bone, well-defined joints and prominent veins usually have sufficient substance and circulation to withstand wear better than horses with coarse, round bone and meaty legs with poorly defined joints and veins.