AMA: Should I Run Away From Buying A Horse With A Bone Chip?

How common are bone chips in horses? Should I run away from the chance to own a horse with a bone chip? 

Bone chips, or osteochondral fragments, found floating in a horse’s joint can be more common than you think. Most people assume they are typically found in Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds after a racing career. While this can be true, horses of all breeds and backgrounds can be prone to bone chips for one reason or another. They are generally caused by the repeated concussion on joints during exercise or trauma, most commonly found in the fetlock or knee, and can be more prone to develop due to a horse’s genetics or conformation. It’s estimated that 15% of horses have some kind of abnormality that can lead to bone chips, according to Kentucky Equine Research.

The chips can vary in size and location. Depending on where the chip is in a horse’s leg, it may or may not interfere with its ability to be exercised in the future. An examination by a veterinarian can determine if surgery is needed to remove the chip, which happens if it is causing the horse pain or affecting limb soundness. An arthroscopic surgery is performed and the horse will require a rest period for inflammation to subside. 

A bone chip can be diagnosed through X-Ray and should be monitored over time to ensure it doesn’t move or cause issues later in life. Before buying a horse with a bone chip, it’s important to consider these factors: What is the cause of the chip? What type of work will the horse be doing? Is it interfering with any joints or tendons? 

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