Horse chestnuts and ergots are callous on a horse’s legs. Chestnuts are believed to be remnants of an additional toe misplaced by way of evolution. They are flat and crusty areas devoid of hair. Ergots are callous growths situated on the backside of the horse’s fetlock, typically coated by hair.
Are chestnuts and ergots bad for horses?
Chestnuts and ergots can be found on all equine breeds. The only exception is their cousins, zebras, and asses. Chestnuts and ergots are very normal growths and are not dangerous to you or your horse. If you are competing in some equine breed competitions, it shows good horsemanship and grooming to keep them trimmed.
Why do horses have chestnuts on their legs?
The chestnuts serve as a protective covering for skin below them. Chestnuts and ergots are typical growths on all breeds of horses. They may not be found on every leg, though. Science has a strong opinion as to their origin. Caring for chestnuts and ergots is easy but not necessary unless they grow exceptionally large.
What's the difference between chestnuts and ergots?
At any rate, chestnuts are on the inside of the legs above the knee and below the hock. They are kinda scratchy. Ergots are those pointy boogers on the back/bottom of fetlocks. And a personal pet peeve of mine. Some horses have chestnuts and ergots, some do not. These chestnuts are bananas. Chestnuts also go by the name of "night eye".
What do ergots look like on a horse?
Ergots are small growths on the back of the fetlock, and are usually covered by hair like on this horse. When you feel them, they feel a lot like an eraser on the end of a wooden pencil. ... Ergots are found on the back of a horse's fetlock on all four legs, but they are usually covered with hair and can't be seen unless the hair is parted.
What is an ergot in horses?
The Ergot is an even smaller pea-sized callousy type growth on the underside of the back of the fetlocks of a horse. Again, not all horses have all four. Some breeds tend to display more prominent ergots while others have barely any ergot growth at all. They seem more prevalent on horses with feathers.
How do you get rid of ergots on horses?
It is easier if you soak the area with water first to soften them up. The chestnut can often be peeled away by hand. The ergot can sometimes be peeled away, but more often, you might need a pocket knife. Be careful not to trim them to close.
What causes chestnuts on a horse?
Horses also have chestnuts on the insides of the hind legs; these are found just below the hocks. Often explained as toenail remnants from previous eons, chestnuts are actually vestiges of foot pads, the tough-fibered cushions that animals walk on.
Should you remove horse chestnuts?
You don't really have to trim them. But if you're so inclined, you can trim them without causing the horse any pain. Don't try to remove them entirely, and don't trim any deeper than skin level or above. Just peel them off layer by layer with your hands or fingernails.
How does ergot affect horses?
Ingestion of ergot alkaloid by livestock can cause a range of effects, including poor weight gain, reduced fertility, hyperthermia, convulsions, gangrene of the extremities, and death.
Where is the chestnut on a horse?
Chestnuts are a gel-like substance that we think are the remains of horse toes. You'll see them on the inner knee of the front leg or the inner hock of the back leg. (The hock is the 'knee' of the back leg.) Chestnuts are sometimes called night eyes and they're harmless.
Can dogs eat the chestnuts on horses legs?
Horse chestnuts, also known as conkers (seeds of the Aesculus Hippocastanum tree) are toxic to dogs. Never let your dog eat horse chestnuts.
Are chestnut horses more sensitive?
But the interesting thing is that chestnuts also have the most sensitive skin in the horse world. As everyone knows, the skin is the largest organ of the body.
What are the scabs on horses legs?
Mud rash is usually seen on the lower leg and your horse will have scabs and crusty exudates. If the infection gets established it may be very painful for your horse, its legs may swell and it may be lame. It is more commonly seen on horses with feathers and on white legs.
Can dogs eat ergots from horses?
Most dogs have no problem chewing on small, fresh pieces of hoof trimmings. Letting your dog have a small "treat" from the farrier will be fine in most cases.
What is the difference between horse chestnut and chestnut?
Edible chestnuts belong to the genus Castanea and are enclosed in sharp, spine-covered burs. The toxic, inedible horse chestnuts have a fleshy, bumpy husk with a wart-covered appearance. Both horse chestnut and edible chestnuts produce a brown nut, but edible chestnuts always have a tassel or point on the nut.