Surgery and Radiology Section

RESTRAINT OF HIND FOOT

• Raising and holding a hind foot can be more difficult. A horse that cannot be approached safely from behind usually gives warning by moving away, pointing with the hind leg that is being grasped, or merely taking weight off the leg so as to kick at any time.
• The operator’s hand nearer the horse is kept on the animal’s tuber coxae, while the other is moved down the cannon bone to lift the leg.
• The hock and toe are held in a flexed position when the leg is raised, partially restricting voluntary movement of that leg.
• As the leg is cradled between the operator’s arm and leg nearer the horse, the cannon is propped on the inside of the thigh.
• The operator can then use his hands to clean the foot and perform the required procedure.
• The operator should position him self firmly so that he is not thrown off balance by the horse’s struggling.
• When releasing the leg, the procedure is reversed: the operator’s near hand is placed on the horse’s tuber coxae and used to push himself to the front of the animal.
• Many horses are accustomed to have all 4 feet examined and cleaned daily from the left side, with the operator reaching under and across when raising the feet on the right side.
• A front foot can be raised and held to prevent a horse from kicking with a hind foot.
• The front foot on the same side as the operator should be lifted because the horse is then unable to kick with the rear leg on that side.
• When holding a front leg, one should avoid supporting the horse.
• A front leg is occasionally tied for restraint of a mare during breeding or for rectal examination.
• The rope or strap should be tied in such a manner that it can be released quickly to prevent the animal from casting itself. Tying a hind leg involves use of a single- rope sideline.
• Use of tranquilizers or sedatives are indicated when a horse resist for all the restraining procedures.
  
• Rope burns can be avoided by using hobbles or bandages.