## Overview Dorsal cortex fatigue refers to stress-related remodeling or microdamage of the dorsal cannon bone, more commonly recognized in the forelimbs of young racehorses (bucked shins). Hind-limb involvement is less frequent. It represents the bone’s response to repetitive high-strain loading before full adaptation has occurred. ## Causes Cyclical compressive loading during high-speed training in immature bone. ## Diagnosis Clinical soreness over the dorsal cannon after fast work, plus radiographs evaluating periosteal reaction or cortical stress fracture. ## Treatment Modification of the training schedule, rest until soreness resolves, and anti-inflammatories. Controlled return to speed work allows remodeling. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good with appropriate training adjustments. Progression to stress fracture is the main risk if ignored. ## Prevention Gradual introduction of high-speed work in young horses.
pain and swelling over the front of the cannon after fast work; warmth; more common in young racehorses; less frequent in hind limbs
## Overview Dorsal cortex fatigue refers to stress-related remodeling or microdamage of the dorsal cannon bone, more commonly recognized in the forelimbs of young racehorses (bucked shins). Hind-limb involvement is less frequent. It represents the bone’s response to repetitive high-strain loading before full adaptation has occurred. ## Causes Cyclical compressive loading during high-speed training in immature bone. ## Diagnosis Clinical soreness over the dorsal cannon after fast work, plus radiographs evaluating periosteal reaction or cortical stress fracture. ## Treatment Modification of the training schedule, rest until soreness resolves, and anti-inflammatories. Controlled return to speed work allows remodeling. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good with appropriate training adjustments. Progression to stress fracture is the main risk if ignored. ## Prevention Gradual introduction of high-speed work in young horses.
pain and swelling over the front of the cannon after fast work; warmth; more common in young racehorses; less frequent in hind limbs