Is this ringbone?

Last time the vet was out I asked about my mares leg, they suggested a flex test but she was sedated from teeth floating. They just left the barn without saying anything, but they'll be back on the 5th! So before they visit again I would to get some opinions on my mares leg. Does this look like ringbone?! The outside is hard, potentially just sidebone, but the inside is a little soft and inflamed. She has had this from before I bought her (inflammation went down, but recently flared up again), but nobody has notified me of any injuries. She was lame until I had her trimmed now she's sound. She was going to be my barrel racer but with a leg like that I'm going to take it easy. I've learned not to purchase a horse without a vet exam the hard way... What are the estimated costs for x-rays?

Xrays depend on the amount and your vet. It does appear she has spurs however your best bet is going to be xrays. My friends gelding has severe ringbone and the second vet was way cheaper for xray then our main and first vet was.
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Yep, looks like it to me - here's a great article with some tips for your farrier:

https://barefoothoofcare.wordpress.c...0/09/ringbone/

There's a product made by Dynamite called "Wound Balm" which apparently can help to sweat out calcification, I have not personally done it or known anyone who has but it may be worth investigating. Holistic Horse Works has apparently had some success with some cases.

Looks like a ringbone to me -- but only x-rays can tell for sure.

The big equine centers and 'equine only' Vets will charge a LOT more than a 'country' Vet. The Equine centers use very expensive large x-ray units and the small hand-held ones or smaller clinic units will x-ray this just fine.

We start out with a small country Vet and work up to a lameness specialist if the problem warrants it.

A very early calcium deposit can sometime be taken off with Irish Reducine, a black tar-like external salve-like substance. I have removed several large splints with it. I have known people that have used it on early ring-bones.

It does look like it to me but I'm not a vet...

I'm also going to vote that yes it does look like ringbone. But your best bet like you've already stated you're doing is to get a vet :). Good luck.

Cherie I disagree the equine vet we went to was also a leg specialist and he charged half as much and was way more helpful than our all round vet that we went to first. In fact I would suggest trying to find a leg specialist as the guy we saw helped us understand and showed us far more then the all rounder could. It does depend on location and each vet on what the pricing will be.
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Kristin, here is another site which I really like, may help your horse get more comfortable and very likely keep her still somewhat serviceable - gradually lowering and opening heels, trimming bars, yadayada. See what you think?

Case Studies - Sandy JudyEquine Art & Hoofcare

Thanks everyone!

I will ask my current vet when they come of their x-ray costs and try to find other quotes, it's still going to cost me quite a bit since my horse is terrified of trailers. I didn't have time to train her again since I don't have access to a trailer, so getting there will be tricky. I just got a new farrier as well so I will notify them. I do think her heels could have cause the flare up, they seemed long to me.

I've also been dying to find out what happened in the first place. I contacted her previous owners and they said they never had any soundness issues or leg injury, I can't find out when or how this happened but that it was before I bought her but didn't notice at the time, it is in the photo's when I bought her. She also used to be a jumper, which was a terrible idea because she's stocky, only 14.3H, big body and small legs.

With spurs that visible it is very likely it happened quite awhile ago of it is in fact ringbone. I wouldn't fully trust the previous owners as many won't own up to leg problems or just don't notice. Anyway good luck!
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