Sesamoiditis is a condition that usually affects athletic horses that are in full work and compete on a high level, horses that are overweight and horses with 'low heels' tend to be more prone to sesamoiditis. The sesamoid bones can be difficult to treat due to their location.
Treatment Methods
Your veterinarian should consider the best options for your horse's individual circumstance. These are some of the most common treatment methods:Hot and Cold Poultice
It can be used to reduce inflammation by manipulating the blood supply. A hot poultice can increase blood supply while the cold poultice can ease bruising and pain.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Your vet may recommend for your horse to take anti-inflammatory medication if sesamoiditis is quite severe. Please liaise with your vet directly in relation to dosage and brand.
Rest and Confinement
Horses with sesamoiditis are recommended to rest in a confined paddock or yard/stable as further strain on the sesamoid bone can slow down the healing process. It is still recommended for horses to be hand walked everyday to avoid them getting too bored.
Egg Horse Shoe
An egg bar horse shoe has got a round 'egg shape' appearance rather than a U. It is sometimes used to treat sesamoiditis in horses as it lifts the heel and releases pressure of the joint and reduce stress on the sesamoid bone.
Surgery
In very severe cases surgery is considered. This is only recommended (by qualified veterinaries) if all other treatment methods fails.