However, one can rest assured that poor conformation in the form of pasterns that are overly upright will result in undue concussion on the pastern joint. Poor conformation also can result in increased stress on the ligaments and tendons attached to the pastern bones. This type of stress and uneven pressure can bring on osteoarthritis which, in turn, can stimulate the bony growth that is ringbone. When a horse develops ringbone, lameness usually is the first obvious sign of the condition. However, Adams reports, signs of lameness are not specific.
Lameness is usually evident in all gaits and upon turning.
In a case of low ringbone, where the distal end of the second phalanx or the extensor process of the third phalanx is involved, the hair on the coronary band will stand erect at the front of the foot. There also will be heat and pain present in this area, and after the condition becomes chronic, there will be a change in shape of the toe of the hoof wall. Just how much pain and lameness are manifested depends a good deal on the type of ringbone involved. If it involves the joint surfaces, pain can be severe, along with inflammation. This often results from arthritis or osteoarthritis.