Coffin bone
The coffin bone, also known as the pedal bone (U.S.), is the
distal phalanx, the bottommost bone in the front and rear legs of horses, cattle, pigs and other ruminants. It is encased by the hoof capsule. In horses and other odd-toed ungulates it is the third phalanx, or "P3"; in even-toed ungulates such as cattle, it is the third and fourth (P3 and P4). The coffin bone meets the short pastern bone or second phalanx at the coffin joint.[1] The coffin bone is connected to the inner wall of the horse hoof by a structure called the laminar layer. The insensitive laminae coming in from the hoof wall connects to the sensitive laminae layer, containing the blood supply and nerves, which is attached to the coffin bone.[1] The lamina is a critical structure for hoof health,[1] therefore any injury to the hoof or its support system can in turn affect the coffin bone.[2]
Despite the protection provided by the
club foot.[4] Contracted heels can also affect the shape of the coffin bone, making it grow away from its normal, healthy shape.[1] X-rays can diagnose injury, determine the position of the bone, and verify the type of damage that may have been received. Once injured, remedial shoeing
can help protect the coffin bone from further trauma. Treatment of assorted disorders may also involve use of shoe pads, anti-inflammatory medication, and management changes.
See also
- Skeletal system of the horse
- Limbs of the horse
- Equine forelimb anatomy
- Limbs of the horse
Notes
- ^ a b c d e Milligan, Doug (2011). Hoof anatomy and physiology [class handout]. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- ^ a b Thomas, Heather. "Coffin bone fractures". Racing Horse Journal. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
- ^ Vogel (2006), p 189
- ^ Loving, Nancy. "Limb deformities: congenital or acquired?". The Horse. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
References
- Vogel, Colin (2006). The Complete Performance Horse: Feeding, Fitness, Lameness, Preventive Medicine. Cincinnati, Ohio: David & Charles. p. 217. ISBN 0-7153-2307-5.