fetlock

1 the joint between the cannon bone and the pastern [syn: fetlock joint]

2 projection behind and above a horse's hoof

English

Noun

1. A joint of the horse's leg below the knee or hock and above the hoof, also called the "ankle"

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 fetlock is a hinge joint (ginglymus), allowing flexion and extension, but minimal rotation, adduction, or abduction.

Problems with the Fetlock

• Windpuffs
• Sesamoiditis
• Osselet

See also

• Equine forelimb anatomy
• Equine anatomy

References

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

arch, bang, bangs, clubfoot, digit, dog, extremity, fleck, flock, foot, forefoot, forelock, forepaw, fringe, harefoot, heel, hoof, instep, pad, pastern, patte, paw, pedal extremity, pedes, pes, pied, pug, quiff, sole, splayfoot, toe, tootsy, trotter, tuft, ungula