## Overview Dorsal metacarpal disease, commonly called bucked shins, is painful periostitis and stress remodeling of the front of the third metacarpal bone. It occurs almost exclusively in young racehorses (especially 2-year-old Thoroughbreds) entering high-speed training. The bone is adapting to new loading demands. ## Causes Repetitive high-strain compression before the dorsal cortex has remodeled sufficiently. ## Diagnosis Clinical soreness and swelling over the dorsal cannon after fast work. Radiographs assess periosteal reaction and rule out cortical stress fracture. ## Treatment Rest from training until soreness resolves, anti-inflammatories, cold therapy, and a modified return to speed work (short bursts rather than sustained galloping). ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. Most horses adapt and return to training. Ignoring the condition risks progression to stress fracture. ## Prevention Gradual introduction of high-speed exercise in young horses.
pain and swelling over the front of the cannon; worse after fast work; warm to touch; common in 2-year-old Thoroughbreds
## Overview Dorsal metacarpal disease, commonly called bucked shins, is painful periostitis and stress remodeling of the front of the third metacarpal bone. It occurs almost exclusively in young racehorses (especially 2-year-old Thoroughbreds) entering high-speed training. The bone is adapting to new loading demands. ## Causes Repetitive high-strain compression before the dorsal cortex has remodeled sufficiently. ## Diagnosis Clinical soreness and swelling over the dorsal cannon after fast work. Radiographs assess periosteal reaction and rule out cortical stress fracture. ## Treatment Rest from training until soreness resolves, anti-inflammatories, cold therapy, and a modified return to speed work (short bursts rather than sustained galloping). ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. Most horses adapt and return to training. Ignoring the condition risks progression to stress fracture. ## Prevention Gradual introduction of high-speed exercise in young horses.
pain and swelling over the front of the cannon; worse after fast work; warm to touch; common in 2-year-old Thoroughbreds