Veterinary

Wonder what it is? Should you be worried? Read below to find out

Why Do Horses “Click” or “Crack”? Understanding Joint Sounds in Equine Bodies

When I’m treating horses, we often hear clicks, pops, cracks or clunks or sometimes they can just be heard when the horses is moving around or working and owners immediately worry something is wrong. The truth is: not all joint sounds are equal. Different noises come from different structures, and most of them are normal, harmless, and even therapeutic—but a few can indicate dysfunction. Below is a simple guide that explains the physiology behind each type of sound and when you need to pay attention.

1️⃣ Cavitation – the classic “crack” (like knuckle-clicking)

What it sounds like: a sharp, quick pop or crack

Where it comes from: synovial joints

Physiology: Inside synovial joints there’s synovial fluid containing dissolved gases (nitrogen, CO₂). When you apply a quick stretch, distraction, or decompression to a joint capsule—like during an adjustment—the pressure suddenly drops. This allows gas to form a bubble that rapidly collapses or “pops”.

This is called cavitation. Is it harmful? No. It is a normal physiological response and not damaging.

What it means during treatment

A cavitation often indicates:

• A change in joint spacing
• Decreased pressure within the capsule
• A small neurological “reset” in the area
• A release of joint restriction
• It is not bones cracking or rubbing.
• “It’s the same mechanism as humans clicking their knuckles—it’s just gas releasing in the joint fluid.”

2️⃣ Tendon or ligament “snapping” over a bony prominence

What it sounds like: a dull thunk or a soft snick

Often heard in: stifles, hocks, shoulders

Physiology: A tendon glides in a groove or over a bony ridge. If the biomechanics are slightly off—caused by posture, muscle tension, weakness, or fatigue — the tendon may momentarily “catch” and then release.

Common causes:

• Weakness through the stifles or pelvic stabilisers
• Tight pectorals, hamstrings, or Iliopsoas
• Poor core stability
• Mild postural compensation

Is it harmful? Usually not, unless it’s:

• Repetitive
• Combined with discomfort
• Creating instability

When to worry: If it’s accompanied by:

• Lameness
• Swelling
• Heat
• A sensation of the joint giving way
• Otherwise, it’s usually a sign of biomechanical imbalance, not structural damage

3️⃣ Crepitus – the one we do worry about

What it sounds like: grating, grinding, crunching, or a “rice crispy” noise

Physiology:Crepitus occurs when rough joint surfaces, osteophytes, cartilage wear, or inflamed tissues rub together. It can also occur with chronic soft-tissue fibrosis.

Associated with:

• Osteoarthritis
• Chronic inflammation
• Old injuries
• Degenerative joint changes
• This is the sound that can indicate pathology. It is deeper, rougher, and often felt through my hands when palpating or mobilising a joint.

When to worry? If combined with:

• Pain
• Heat/swelling
• Reduced range of motion
• Behavioural objections to movement
• Persistent lameness

4️⃣ Soft tissue friction sounds (harmless)

What they sound like: a faint squelch, shuffle, or soft click

Physiology: Sometimes the noises come not from joints but from:

Fascia sliding

Muscle fibres shifting

Fluid moving through soft tissue compartments

Slight adhesion releasing

This is extremely common—especially in tight or dehydrated fascia—and is not a cause for concern. These quiet sounds are also frequently heard during massage, myofascial release, or manipulation when tissues rehydrate, separate, or glide more

5️⃣ Air or fluid shifts through the body

Sounds like: small bubbles, trickles, or squelches

Totally normal. Often heard around the shoulder and along the rib cage.

So which sounds matter? Which Mean Worry?

Sharp pop/crack Cavitation during adjustment ❌ No.

Soft click/snapping Tendon/ligament moving ⚠️ Only if repetitive + pain.

Squelchy/soft sliding Fascia/muscle movement ❌ No.

Grating/grinding/crunchy Possible OA or degenerative changes ✅ Yes.

Deep clunk Joint movement or mild instability ⚠️

In conclusion

Not every click is a problem. Some are just gas moving in the joint, some are tendons sliding, and some are tissues releasing as the horse relaxes. The tendon /ligament clunk needs to be worked on with your horse’s physical therapist through bodywork and prescriptive exercise as it is caused by weaknesses, tightness, poor stability and postural issues which needs to be rectified to prevent longer term issues, but overall the only sound we need to really be worried about is anything that feels like grinding or is paired with pain or lameness.

Worried hearing about prevalence of sand colic at the moment, want to understand why so you can help to prevent it? Have a read . . .

After chatting with a few vet friends and colleagues this week, they were all commenting about the increased number of cases of sand colic they have seen recently and I’ve had a few clients reporting their horses have had problems with it since the frost and snow has gone, so I thought it would be a good idea to do a post about. It is one of the lesser known types of colic & is so prevalent at this time of year but do you understand why? As when people think of sand they think of dry conditions in summer but that is not necessarily the case so if you can understand why, you can take better steps to prevent it in your horse. At this time of the year as grazing conditions and feeding practices increase the likelihood of sand ingestion. Colic, a general term for abdominal pain in horses, can stem from various causes, including impaction, gas, or intestinal displacement. Sand colic specifically occurs when horses ingest significant amounts of sand or dirt, which settle in the gut, typically the large colon. Over time, this buildup can lead to blockages, irritation of the intestinal lining, or in severe cases, gut motility issues.

How and Why Does It Occur?

Horses are at risk of ingesting sand when they graze on sandy pastures, eat hay or feed placed directly on the ground, or drink from sandy water sources. When they consume forage or grain contaminated with sand, small particles can accumulate in the intestines. While the horse’s digestive system is designed to move material through efficiently, large amounts of sand can settle in the colon, leading to discomfort, inflammation, or even obstruction.The abrasive nature of sand particles can also irritate the intestinal walls, causing inflammation, diarrhea, or discomfort. Left untreated, sand colic can progress to serious complications, such as impaction, requiring surgical intervention.

So, Why Is Sand Colic Common at This Time of Year?

Sand colic tends to spike during the autumn and winter months, especially in areas with sandy soils. Several factors contribute to this seasonal trend:

1. Sparse Pasture Growth: In autumn and winter, grass growth is very little or dormant, forcing horses to graze closer to the ground, where they inadvertently ingest sand or dirt.

2. Increased Hay Feeding: With limited grass availability, we feed more hay or on the field, hay becomes the primary forage source. When fed on sandy ground, hay can mix with soil, leading to unintentional sand consumption.

3. Dry, Windy Weather: During dry periods, dust and sand can easily contaminate feed or water.

4. Changes in Turnout Patterns: Horses may spend more time in confined areas, such as dry lots or sandy paddocks, increasing their exposure to sandy surfaces.

Preventing Sand Colic

Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to reduce the risk of sand colic in horses:

1. Feed Management:- Provide hay in areas of the field where there is a little more grass coverage rather than in poached areas or provide hay in feeders or on rubber mats to minimise contact with the sandy ground. Avoid feeding hard feed or supplements directly on the ground. Ensure pastures are well-maintained and not overgrazed, particularly in sandy areas. (See pictures)

2. Psyllium Supplements: Psyllium husk is a natural fiber supplement that can help move sand through the digestive tract. Feeding psyllium in cycles (e.g., one week per month) can aid in clearing accumulated sand from the gut.

3. Adequate Forage: Ensure your horse has constant access to high-quality forage, which promotes healthy gut motility and reduces the likelihood of ingesting sand during grazing.

4. Encourage Hydration: Proper hydration supports the movement of material through the digestive tract. Make sure your horse has access to clean, fresh water at all times.

5. Regular Turnout: Allow your horse ample time for turnout in areas with minimal sand exposure. Avoid keeping horses in sandy paddocks for prolonged periods. I know some that just turn out in the sand arena over winter with hay nets as the fields are too clay and deep with mud, but this can pose a significant risk as the hay falls out of the net on to the sand surface of the school which they then ingest. Putting rubber mats under the areas they are eating that can be easily moved when you want to ride on the arena can be of massive benefit.

6. Sand Testing: Perform periodic manure tests to check for sand presence. Mix a manure sample with water in a clear container, let it settle, and check for sand at the bottom. This can indicate if your horse is ingesting significant amounts of sand.

Signs of Sand Colic to Watch For As Early detection is critical in managing sand colic.

Common signs include:

✴️Loss of appetite

✴️Depression or lethargy

✴️Diarrhea or loose stools

✴️Abdominal discomfort, such as pawing, rolling, or lying down excessively

✴️Decreased gut sounds

✴️Weight loss in chronic cases

If you suspect sand colic, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can prevent severe complications and improve your horse’s chances of recovery.