“Coon-Footed” Conformation
Question: “I was considering purchasing a 2-year-old Peruvian Paso filly. She was beautiful, well gaited and had a nice temperament. When I got home and looked at her photos I noticed that she had what I have learned are known as “coon-feet.” Her rear pasterns were on the long side and the angles did not match the slope of her hooves. I did not purchase her because of this, but I am seeing more and more gaited horses with this conformation fault. I am wondering if I over-reacted? Should this be a deal breaker when purchasing a horse? Are varying degrees of it acceptable? Will it lead to other soundness issues later on?”
The term “coon footed” refers to the fact that there is a broken forward axis at the coronary band. A line drawn from the fetlock down to the toe should be straight. In other words, the slope of the hoof wall is steeper than the pastern. This conformation is often associated with long, sloping pasterns tending towards the horizontal, that breaks the angulation between pastern and hoof. This conformation is usually seen in the hind feet, especially in post-legged horses.
In Peruvian Pasos and in Paso Finos and some other breeds, this conformation isn’t uncommon–because these horses may have weak suspensory ligaments that allow the fetlock to drop. Indeed, Paso Finos, Peruvian Pasos, and Paso Fino crosses are the breeds that are more commonly afflicted with degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD). DSLD can cause very significant and frustrating chronic lameness and will often give the foot a “coon” like appearance. Even if this particular Peruvian Paso shows no evidence of DSLD, the “coon footed” conformation will put stress on the back of the fetlock–perhaps setting the horse up for future lameness/injury in the area.
Agility sports would not be indicated for a horse with a “coon footed” conformation. Low speed endeavors like pleasure and maybe equitation may be within the horse’s abilities. I don’t think it is necessarily an automatic “deal breaker” if a horse has this conformation. It is imperative, though, that a thorough pre-purchase examination be undertaken–to help illuminate the possibility of DSLD. The exam findings should be considered closely in the context of your intended use of the horse.
Dr. Aimee Eggleston
December 14th, 2006 at 9:36 am
Peruvian Pasos and Paso Finos are two different breeds. It is true that PPs are being studied to determine the root cause of the problem through Dr Halper at U of GA and Dr Cotheran at TX A&M because of the higher incidence of DSLD in this breed. Many other breeds have been found to have individuals and families with this devasting disease.
Dr E Kellon is conducting an experimental trial treatment through the group http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DSLD-equine/ which shows some promise with a few dramatic results reported.
December 17th, 2006 at 12:47 pm
Peruvian Pasos and Paso Finos are two different breeds. DSLD/ESPA (equine suspensary proteoglycans accummulation) is certainly prevelant in the Peruvian Paso breed but it is also seen in the Paso Fino breed and in other breeds as well, including and not excluding TBs. Please visit: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DSLD-equine/ for details and information on this condition and also on recent research: Dr Halper, at the University of GA and Dr Cotheran at TX A&M.
Dr Kellon is indeed conducting an experimental trial treatment through the DSLD-equine group – much promise is shown with some dramatic results in making horses more comfortable. We are not looking at a cure but are certainly looking at a means to help making the afflicted horse more comfortable and able to lead a more active and a somewhat pain free pasture life – no riding (yet).
Research continues and funding is desperately needed so that we can continue to address the problem and in time to identify the causes of this condition. At the moment we are looking at genetic markers, as so far all research would indicate a genetic problem. But this has yet to be established. Again, I reiterate, this problem, DSLD/ESPA is not confined to the Peruvian paso and the Peruvian Paso and the Paso Fino are two different breeds of horse.
Nice website. Loved Skidboot. Thank you.