Definition - Calcium deposits or bone spurs initially feel very soft. However, with time they gradually increase in size, and then the calcium starts to dry up and harden, with a consistency that feels similar to that of chalk. Eventually, the deposits start to feel like a heavy stone in a part of the body, typically on tendons, bones and joints. Calcium deposits and bone spurs are generally painful. It is believed that having a poor diet is related to the development of calcium deposits or bone spurs, so those whose diets are not nutritionally balanced are often at risk. Diets with insufficient calcium and that are lacking in other mineral balance can lead to trouble.

Causes - Most calcium deposits or bone spurs can be attributed to several factors playing a roll in their initial development. The growth of the calcium deposit or bone spur seems to be a residual effect of an imbalance, reducing the bodies inability to process the calcium correctly.

Genetics - Calcium deposits and bone spurs have been linked to the possibility of hereditary influence in horses. Simply put some horses may be genetically more inclined to develop calcium deposits or bone spurs based on their blood line.

Diet - A horse with an imbalance between vital bone building nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus may be at risk for development of calcium deposits or bone spurs. The ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus is 2:1. If this ratio becomes significantly higher there is not enough phosphorus in the bloodstream to liquify or dissolve the calcium in the bloodstream, making it unusable for bone repair. The result is that the calcium will be summoned to the area in need of repair and simply collect on top of the bone, over time resulting in a calcium deposit or bone spur.

Trauma - Any trauma to a specific area increases the likelihood of a calcium deposit or bone spur forming. The traumatized area will send a signal to the bodies nervous system to send calcium and other nutrients for repair. If the balance is not correct(as mentioned in the diet section) the result is the same - calcium deposits and/or bone spurs. Thoroughbred & standardbred race horses top the list for potential development of calcium deposits and bone spurs due to the nature of the sport.

Calcium deposits and bone spurs can be difficult to decipher from a lameness perspective because their location may vary. These horses sometimes show no symptoms at all. It may be possible to detect a calcium deposit on the bone due to an odd shape or lump. However, if you suspect you have a calcium deposit you should have a veterinarian evaluation performed to confirm that this is indeed the case.

Treatment Options - Treatment options are currently limited for addressing calcium deposits and bone spurs. Most approaches typically result in little to no structural progress in either halting or reversing calcium deposits and bone spurs, but rather approaches toward increasing the horses comfort and ability to cope with any pain have emerged.

Exercise - Horses exhibiting signs of lameness need a work schedule that is less intense. Their fitness can be maintained by slow long-distance work or swimming, as opposed to being worked at high speeds, up steep hills, on hard surfaces, irregular terrain, or deep footing. Reducing the frequency of jumping is also important.

Surgery - Surgical removal of calcium deposits and bone spurs is a possibility, however you will likely have a relapse if the dietary aspect is not corrected. Most vets will agree that the body will view the surgery as trauma to the bone and start the whole process over again, negating any positive results from the surgical procedure, itself.

After you have success on the COMPLETE Dense Bone Growth program and show a clear x-ray along with a sound vet evaluation free from calcium deposits or bone spurs you will still need to take a proactive approach in maintaining your results. To do this it is recommended that you feed Performance Plus Daily™ which provides over 50 vitamins, minerals, enzymes and electrolytes designed to contribute to your horses bone integrity, overall health and performance. Simply add the supplement to a straight grain and rest assured that you’re doing everything you can from a dietary standpoint to protect your horses state of health.

This wouldn’t typically be advised to do for your horse that has either recovered or is still recovering from calcium deposits or bone spurs. If TLC’s COMPLETE Dense Bone Growth can correct the imbalance and return the horse to soundness through dietary means then it is solid evidence that whatever program the horse was on before the diagnosis was not sufficiently fortified to sustain the horses state of health, thus allowing the condition to develop in the first place. Therefore it is the recommendation of TLC Animal Nutrition, Inc. to continue with a straight grain such as oats, beet pulp or cracked corn afterwards with Performance Plus Daily™ added to feed for a comprehensive approach to maintaining solid bone integrity, overall health and performance.