Fetlock

Additional recommended knowledge

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Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Fetlock is the common name for the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints (MCPJ and MTPJ) of the horse. It is formed by the junction of the third metacarpal (forelimb) or metatarsal (hindlimb) bones (common name: the cannon bones) proximad and the proximal phalanx distad (common name: the pastern bone). Paired proximal sesamoid bones articulate with the palmar or plantar distal surface of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bones and are rigidly fixed to the proximo-palmar / -plantar edge of the proximal phalanx.

The MCPJ is a condyloid joint, allowing flexion and extension, but minimal rotation.

Problems with the Fetlock

• Windpuffs
• Sesamoiditis
• Osselet

See also

• Equine forelimb anatomy
• Horse anatomy

References

• Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy (2nd Ed.) W.B. Saunders, 1996, p591