March 2002

The Elusive Hunter’s Bump

Sacroiliac joint dislocation can cause surface tenderness and stiffness while it’s developing, then the horse becomes normal again.

Location of the sacroiliac joint, where a ûdislocation can result in a "hunter’s bump."

A six-year-old event horse hasn’t been right behind for a while. He’s been looked at by vets, farriers and trainers to no avail. His hocks and stifles have been injected. No help.

His impulsion is poor, although he’s more unwilling than weak. He’s stiff, sometimes hesitating midstride behind. He’ll even sometimes tense up his hindquarters.

It’s not tying-up, as his blood work is normal. He’s worse after a hard work and can take days to come out of it. He doesn’t warm out of his stiffness either, like a horse with hock problems will. …