Coronary Band

Question
Hello Lana,
I was wondering if you could help me out...
Regarding the coronary band... A gelding I'm looking to get had chipped a bone in his right hind foot around the coronary band and there is a calcium build up there which I'm assuming has fused the chip back into place. The vet checked it out and said there's not much you can do for it and to just keep him in soft pasture. When it's cold, it bothers him a little bit and after he's run hard. But he still runs and bucks in his pasture so it doesn't stop him from performing. I had the girl that owns him walk him out and he has a nice trot(no limp) It's been a year since his injury and he seems very eager to get back into light riding. I'm not rushing into anything. I'd like to know how serious injuries like this are? When he's standing still - he'll keep weight on it for a bit but then he'll go to his toe ( almost like its a habit for him now). He hasnt been riden in a yr and is full of energy. When he was standing still and on that one toe I surprised him with a push from the back and he caught himself real quick as though putting all his weight on that one leg didnt bother him... What's your opinion?
If this isnt enough info just let me know and I'll try to be more detailed.
Thank you so very much
~Lynette


Answer
Hi Lynette;

Get x-rays, then you'll know the extent of the problem, or if it's cosmetic.

You don't say how the bone was broken...that can change my answer considerably.

If it seems to be benign determined by the x-rays, then look at his feet (they may not be balanced), and have a chiropractor look at him.

Remember too, that the added weight of a rider stresses the body differently, but really you first need to know what's 'in there', so get some x-rays.

Best wishes!

Sincerely,

Lana Reinhardt