Hoof anatomy with Professor Robert Bowker, part 6

Osteoporosis of the coffin bone

A healthy P3 is smooth with an intact periosteum, says Dr. Bowker

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Have you ever held a coffin bone from a horse in your hands? If you have, there's a good chance its surface felt like rough sandpaper, covered in little holes and bony peaks - not smooth and covered in a periosteum like other prepared bones. According to Professor Robert Bowker of the Michigan State University foot lab, the frazzled coffin bones are so common that people - even vets - have come to think that's what a coffin bone should look like. Only, these bones are not normal, says Bowker. They are osteoporotic. Sign in and learn more.