Companion Animals

Periostitis in Horses: Shin Soreness and Welfare in Athletic Horses

Welfare guide to periostitis (shin soreness) in horses -- a common training injury causing pain and requiring rest.

Key Facts

Periostitis of the third metacarpal (shin soreness) is common in young horses entering athletic training
It results from the periosteum (bone lining) responding to mechanical stress during training
Affected horses show warmth, swelling, and pain on palpation of the front of the cannon bone
Lameness varies from subtle to significant depending on severity
The condition must be differentiated from more serious bucked shin fractures using radiography
Rest and controlled exercise are the primary treatment -- typically 4-6 weeks of reduced work
Anti-inflammatory treatment with NSAIDs reduces pain and swelling during the acute phase
Training management including gradual progression and adequate recovery time prevents most cases

Welfare Significance

Shin soreness causes real pain that impairs athletic performance and daily comfort. Young horses pushed into training too rapidly are at highest risk. The condition is largely preventable through gradual conditioning programmes that allow bone remodelling to keep pace with exercise demands. Recognising and respecting early signs prevents progression to more serious fracture.

What You Can Do

Train young horses with gradual conditioning programmes that allow bone adaptation time
Monitor for early shin soreness signs -- warmth and sensitivity to palpation -- during training
Rest affected horses for adequate duration before returning to work
Have radiographs taken if lameness is significant -- ruling out fracture before returning to work is essential