Crooked legs in foals: When to watch, when to worry

It's common for foals to be born with legs that look a little crooked, or to develop a crooked stance as they grow. The good news is that most of these issues improve on their own, especially when caught early.

Types of limb deviations

• Angular deviations — the leg bows outward or inward at a joint ("bow-legged" or "knock-kneed")
• Rotational deviations — the foot turns in or out ("toed-in" or "toed-out")
• Flexural deviations — the tendons and ligaments are too loose or too tight, making the leg look too upright (or even over) at the carpus, fetlock, or foot, or too lax in the pastern or carpus

What usually helps

Many foals improve with:

• Controlled, monitored exercise
• Time, as young bones are still growing and adapting
• Careful handling to protect fragile, immature bones during this period

When more treatment is needed

If a deviation is severe or isn't improving, your foal may need:

• Bandages, splints, or hoof extensions to support and protect the limb
• Medication (IV oxytetracycline) for certain tendon-related deviations, since it helps relax overly tight tendons
• Surgery, in more serious cases 

Why timing matters

This is the most important thing to remember: The window for non-surgical and surgical correction is limited. Foals grow fast, and their growth plates close at predictable ages:

• Around 3-4 months old for deviations near the fetlock (ankle)
• By about 15 months old for deviations near the knee

Once a growth plate closes, correction becomes much harder or impossible. That's why early evaluation is so important, even if the deviation seems mild. 

What you can do

• Have your foal evaluated early, ideally in the first weeks of life.
• Ask about a nutrition plan to support healthy, steady growth. 
• Schedule regular hoof trimming to keep your foal's feet balanced as they grow.
• Don't wait and see if you are worried — early correction gives your foal the best shot at a comfortable, athletic future. 

Bottom line: Catching a crooked leg early and acting on recommendations promptly can make the difference between a quick fix and a lasting problem. 

Meet our surgery team! 

Written by Sharon Peart for Virginia Tech.