Reducing side-bone in hoofs naturally

[Doc-t]

If the side bones are only seen on radiographs but are not causing a problem, then I wouldn’t worry.

Deposition of bone is a result of forces applied to the bone. These forces create piezoelectric currents that attract calcium and form more bone, which is why all bones are curved and have bumps. I also have “bone spurs” on every knuckle of my hands caused by increased forces. They cause zero problems but are there because I use my hands in my profession, strengthening the ligament attachments to the bones.

Altering the pH of the blood via vinegar will affect the absorption of calcium from food, but it should not affect the deposition of calcium where needed.

If the sidebones are causing lameness, this is another story. These can become painful and create sores at the coronary band. These need to be addressed by your veterinarian and farrier.

[mila.and.me]

Thank you for your reply and insight! My horse has experienced a fracture in her front left due to significant side bone, and she has been in recovery for about 4 months now. She is currently sound but the foot remains metabolically active so I have just been hand-walking her and following your no-grain diet to reduce inflammation. I’ve also been applying heat and ice to the food (15min intervals) Through the guidance of my vet and farrier, we have changed her shoeing so I have been exploring ways to additionally help her nutritionally. Will apple cider vinegar prevent the absorption of calcium completely, or just excess calcium? I know that you said that it won’t have an effect on the established side bone but does it have any anti-inflammatory properties that could help? Do you know of anything that could help heal or reduce the sidebone?

Thank you!

[Doc-t]

I am not aware of any treatments for sidebone fractures other than surgery. Surgery may not help, either. Bones need about four months to heal, provided the fractured pieces are immobilized. However, there is a lot of movement in the hoof.

One thing to remember is that “sidebone” is the ossification of the lateral cartilage. What triggers this is not understood, but the cartilage is not a bone. Usually, the mineralization of anything requires a matrix to receive the Ca plus the trigger, which is stress (piezoelectric currents) that attract Ca. Adding SBM and removing inflammatory ingredients will help to strengthen the hoof capsule, which, in turn, may give more support to the underlying structures. This should reduce the need to ossify the cartilage but requires a minimum of a year. In the meantime, reducing the stress on the hoof through weight reduction, work reduction and supportive shoeing is all we have.

[mila.and.me]

Thank you. This has been helpful! I’m currently looking into a solution for better supportive shoeing and have been very careful with her workload and diet. She hasn’t been ridden since the fracture but I keep her moving with hand walking and light ground work. I’ve already planned on giving her a year off so we’ll see how things go. 🙂