Curb: A Collection of Plantar Tarsal Soft Tissue Injuries

Curb is a collection of plantar tarsal soft tissue injuries and not simply long plantar desmitis as has been previously supposed. In fact, only 30% of horses in this study had injury of the long plantar ligament (LPL). Horses with curb are more likely to have swelling and injury of peritendinous and periligamentous tissue and/or superficial digital flexor tendonitis than injury of the LPL. Careful ultrasonographic evaluation is critical in establishing a correct diagnosis and management plan. While curb is primarily an injury of racehorses, and most commonly the Standardbred racehorse, it does occur in non-racehorse sport horses. Authors’ addresses: Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348-1692 (Ross, Reef); Randall Veterinary Hospital Inc., Warrensville Heights, OH 44128-5504 (Genovese). © 2002 AAEP.