Fractures in horses refer to the disruption in the continuity of a bone, often resulting from trauma, excessive stress, or pathological conditions. These injuries can vary in severity, from simple, non-displaced fractures to complex, comminuted fractures involving multiple bone fragments. Fractures can affect any bone in a horse's body, but they are most commonly observed in the limbs due to the high mechanical loads these structures endure. Diagnosis typically involves clinical examination and imaging techniques such as radiography or ultrasound to assess the extent and nature of the fracture. Treatment strategies depend on the type and location of the fracture and may include rest, immobilization, surgical intervention, or a combination of these approaches. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research and scholarly articles focusing on the etiology, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of fractures in horses, providing insights into current veterinary practices and advancements in equine orthopedic care.
Beroza GA, Gentile DG, Goodness P, Charles R.A Robert Jones bandage modified to include a steel walking bar frame and, in one case, side-supporting bars, was applied as a splinting device in 4 horses with hindlimb fractures (3 tarsal and 1 middle phalangeal). The modification was used as an adjunct to previous casting therapies or as a means for handling casting failures or soft tissue problems encountered during the casting period. This means of stabilization is easily adapted to replace a problematic cast in various clinical settings, is easily applied in the standing patient, is easily changed and adjusted on a regular basis, has mini...
Markel MD, Richardson DW.In a retrospective study, we examined the case records for 69 horses with noncomminuted fractures of the proximal phalanx, excluding proximal chip fractures. Forty-nine of the horses sustained the fracture while racing or training for racing. Radiographic examination of all affected limbs was performed, and fractures were classified into 6 noncomminuted types: midsagittal fractures, including short incomplete midsagittal fractures, long incomplete midsagittal (LIMS) fractures, and complete midsagittal (CMS) fractures; dorsal frontal fractures; distal joint fractures; plantar process fractures;...
Dyson S.The clinical and radiological features of fractures of the shoulder region in 16 horses are described. High quality radiographic views were essential for an accurate diagnosis. This sometimes necessitated general anaesthesia. The limitations of radiography are discussed. Nine horses had articular fractures of the supraglenoid tuberosity and eight of these were destroyed because of persistent lameness. The possibility of surgical removal of the fracture fragment(s) is discussed and the importance of early diagnosis emphasised. Seven other fractures of the shoulder region are described. The clin...
Németh F, Dik KJ.A sagittal fracture of the navicular bone in five horses was treated by means of lag screw. Intra-operative radiographic monitoring and a specially developed guide apparatus was necessary to implant the screw precisely along the transverse axis of the navicular bone. Internal fixation resulted in progressive radiographic narrowing of the fracture zone. In all five patients the fracture healed (bony union) without superfluous callus formation.
Little CB, Hilbert BJ, McGill CA.The clinical features of 21 horses which sustained head fractures are reviewed. There was a higher incidence of fractures in males and Standardbred horses. Surgical treatment was practical and successful in most cases when the fractures involved the bones of the jaws and the face. Fractures which involved the cranial cavity or the cranial nerves were difficult to treat and usually held a poor prognosis.
Chiapetta JR, Baker JC, Feeney DA.An Arabian foal, which was recumbent for 4 days, had signs of extensor rigidity of the thoracic limbs and hypotonic paralysis of the pelvic limbs. Survey radiography revealed a lesion at T15, with radiographic impression of a compression fracture or a hemivertebra. Postmortem examination revealed a fracture at T15. Clinical and pathologic findings in this case were compatible with the Schiff-Sherrington syndrome, which is characterized by thoracic limb extensor hypertonia associated with paraplegia from acute thoracolumbar trauma.
Barclay WP, Foerner JJ, Phillips TN.Axial sesamoid injuries were found in 4 of 18 horses with lateral condylar fractures of the metacarpus or metatarsus. The injuries appeared as axial sesamoid fractures or progressive demineralization of the axial border of one of the sesamoids. None of the horses with axial sesamoid injuries returned to performance soundness. Axial sesamoid injury appeared to be an indication of severe fetlock trauma due to condylar fracture. Such injuries appeared to indicate a poor prognosis for return to performance soundness.
Verschooten F, Gasthuys F, De Moor A.An experimental and clinical study to investigate the aetiology of distal splint bone fractures is described. In vitro, extension of the fetlock did not appear to alter the position of the distal ends of the splint bones, although tension in the interosseous tendons increased. Flexion of the fetlock resulted in slight outward displacement of the distal ends of the splint bones. It is suggested that concurrent desmitis of the suspensory ligament can cause movement of the ends of the splint bones thus predisposing to a fatigue fracture. In a clinical study of 87 horses, 114 splint bone fractures...
Mackey VS, Pool RR.Fracture of the lateral wing of the third phalanx with secondary infection of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred in a neurectomized mare. Puncture of the sole may have been the inciting cause, emphasizing the need for careful daily foot care in neurectomized horses.
Richardson DW.Fifteen longitudinal fractures involving the medial condyle of the third metatarsal bone were diagnosed in racing Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. Twelve were repaired surgically with lag screws placed through stab incisions. Two of the horses suffered catastrophic fracture of the third metatarsal bone during recovery from anesthesia, and 3 more sustained complete fractures within 4 days of the repair. Of 3 horses with fractures treated without surgery, 2 healed without complication. Preoperative radiography did not demonstrate a nonlongitudinal fracture component in any of the horses that sus...
Rose PL, Watkins JP, Auer JA.A comminuted, mid-diaphyseal femoral fracture was diagnosed radiographically in a 4-month-old Quarter Horse colt. Disruption of the distal blood supply was suspected, as evidenced by coolness and diminished pulses of the distal portion of the limb. The fracture was repaired by compression plating but the foal's condition continued to deteriorate. A femoral arteriogram of the affected limb was obtained. Positive contrast agent was visible only as far as the mid-shaft of the femur. The foal was euthanatized and the postmortem examination revealed a transected popliteal artery accounting for isch...
Blythe LL, Watrous BJ, Schmitz JA, Kaneps AJ.Acute onset of vestibulocochlear and facial nerve dysfunction due to a stress fracture of the petrous part of the temporal bone was diagnosed in 3 horses. The fracture was secondary to chronic inflammatory changes in the petrous part of the temporal bone and the proximal stylohyoid bone, with fusion of the temporohyoid joint. Bacterial meningoencephalitis was a complicating factor. Treatment resulted in reduction of severity of clinical signs in 2 of the 3 cases, but residual compensated vestibular deficits persisted.
Colbern GT, Moore JN.A patellar fracture was identified radiographically in the right stifle of a mature Tennessee Walking Horse stallion. The horse was markedly lame (grade IV/V) on the right hindlimb. Due to the articular nature and small size of the fragment, surgical removal via arthrotomy was selected. A dorsomedial approach to the femoropatellar joint was used. The horse recovered well and has returned to training as a show horse by 8 months following surgery.
McCoy DJ, Shires PK, Beadle R.Atlantoaxial subluxation secondary to odontoid fracture in a 30-day-old foal was corrected by alignment of the atlantoaxial joint and stabilization with 2 ventrally placed dynamic compression plates. At 90 days after surgery, healing of the fracture, with adequate alignment of the atlantoaxial joint, was confirmed radiographically. The foal was only slightly tetraparetic at that time. At 1 year after surgery, the gait was normal. It was concluded that the technique has advantages over the use of Steinmann's pins or external coaptation for stabilization. The ventral approach allows decompressio...
Bailey JV, Barber SM, Fretz PB, Jacobs KA.The records of 13 horses of various breeds with subluxation of the radiocarpal, intercarpal or carpometacarpal joint, or combinations of these were reviewed. Subluxation was most common at the carpometacarpal joint (n = 10) and concomitant fractures of individual carpal bones or metacarpus II and IV were seen (n = 12).Treatment comprised of immobilization in a full leg plaster cast for from four to 18 weeks. Three animals were euthanized, two because of cast complications and one because of a request by the owner. The remaining ten were saved to function as breeding animals.
Fretz PB, Barber SM, Bailey JV, McKenzie NT.The case records of 49 horses with proximal sesamoid bone fracture were studied. The population consisted of 20 Thoroughbreds, 20 Standardbreds, 5 Quarter Horses, 2 Arabians, and 2 grade horses. The fractured bones were classified into 5 categories: apical fractures, basilar fractures, abaxial fractures, middle one-third fractures, and bilateral comminuted-distracted fractures. Apical fractures occurred most frequently in the Standardbred, with the prevalence of medial fracture being equal to that of lateral fracture. Basilar fractures occurred predominantly in the Thoroughbred, with the highe...
Donecker JM, Bramlage LR, Gabel AA.Twenty-nine fractures of the olecranon process of the ulna in horses treated at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine from 1973 through 1983 were evaluated. The objectives of the study were to determine the prognosis for various configurations of fractures of the olecranon process of the ulna, to determine what preoperative factors influenced the prognosis, and to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment methods used. The fractures were placed in one of 4 categories on the basis of severity of the injury: type-1 fractures involved the physeal plate; type-2 fractures involved t...
Bernard-Strother S, Mansmann RA, Beckstead C.A 6-month-old Quarter Horse colt, with severe left foreleg lameness of 6 weeks' duration, had swelling of the distal interphalangeal joint and a smaller-than-normal left front foot. Radiographs revealed a nondisplaced, midsagittal, intraarticular fracture of P3, which was treated with an eggbar shoe with 2 quarter clips, and stall rest for 10 weeks. The colt was sound after 10 weeks.
Wagner PC, DeBowes RM, Grant BD, Kaneps AJ, Watrous BJ.Proximal growth plate fractures of the tibia in 4 foals were treated surgically. A medial approach was utilized in 3 cases and a lateral approach in the fourth. Bone screw fixation was achieved with cancellous screws and washers. In 3 cases, the screw shaft crossed the proximal tibial growth plate with no adverse effects. In all animals, there was rapid and cosmetic healing. At 8 to 18 months after surgery, all horses were sound at a walk, trot, and canter.
Firth EC, Poulos PW.Examination of growth plate defects in the distal radial physis of 13 foals three to 70 days of age revealed lesions in the lateral and medial aspects of the distal radial physis; the lateral defects were more numerous and obvious. Lesions consisted of widening of the zone of hypertrophying cells of the metaphyseal growth plate (retained cartilage), retained cartilage with discontinuity of cartilage and primary spongiosa, and microfracture of the primary spongiosa. In some foals, the cartilage retention was thought to be due to primary spongiosa microfracture, although fracture subsequent to c...
Livolant F.The fine structure of chromatin in sperm heads was investigated by different microscopic techniques: in vivo examinations in the polarizing microscope, thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas observed by transmission electron microscopy. The freeze-fractured chromatin appears to be formed of superimposed lamellae, each one 330 A thick. These lamellae are parallel to the flattening plane of the sperm head. This situation was already described in other mammal spermatozoa and in particular in the bull and the rabbit. This work presents a new interpretation of this lamellated aspect. The chroma...
Auer JA, Burch GE, Hall P.The relevant literature on electrostimulation in general, and pulsing electromagnetic fields in particular, is reviewed. DC current influences cell behaviour by affecting transmembrane ion transport, which is often under enzymatic control. Pulsing electromagnetic fields influence cell functions through adsorption of ions or dipole formation at the cell membrane. Invasive and non-invasive DC current stimulation is compared to pulsing electromagnetic fields. The mode of application of pulsing electromagnetic fields to the equine limb and suggested treatment times are briefly discussed. Two case ...
Klohnen A, Trostle SS, Stone WC, Johanningmeier D, Wilson DG, Hendrickson DA.A yearling horse was presented with a septic, transverse fracture in the frontal plane of the distal phalanx. The fracture fragment was surgically removed from the parent bone via the sole. The foot was managed by corrective farriery and the horse was able to be ridden for pleasure.
Lambert JL, García-López JM, Gasiorowski JC. The aim of this study was to describe the use of the locking compression plate (LCP) and locking compression T-plate (LCTP) in cases of carpometacarpal and distal tarsal arthrodesis for the treatment of osteoarthritis and small carpal or tarsal bone fractures, and to document clinical outcomes. Methods: Case records of horses treated with carpometacarpal or distal tarsal arthrodesis via internal fixation using an LCP or LCTP between 2013 and 2021 were reviewed. All cases were evaluated retrospectively. Follow-up information was gained via phone conversation with owners and referring vete...
Lloyd KC, Koblik P, Ragle C, Wheat JD, Lakritz J.In 4 adult horses, simple, nondisplaced, incomplete fracture of the proximal extremity of the third metacarpal bone (MC3) was identified radiographically only on the dorsopalmar projection. Lameness was slight to moderate. Although nerve blocks of the foot and fetlock did not alter the lameness, high palmar regional nerve block improved the gait in 1 of the 2 horses on which it was performed. Pain on palpation or swollen distal accessory (inferior check) ligament, flexor tendons, and suspensory ligament were not found in any horse. The fracture was localized to the palmar surface of the proxim...
McIlwraith CW, Goodman NL.The various conditions of the interphalangeal joint are presented; these include degenerative joint disease and osteochondral chip fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint, fractures of the middle phalanx affecting proximal and/or distal interphalangeal joints, subluxation and osteochondrosis of the proximal interphalangeal joint, and arthrosis of the distal interphalangeal joint.
Martin BB, Reef VB.The successful conservative treatment of an open, displaced fracture of the radius of a horse suggests that conservative treatment should not be ignored when surgery is not an option. The importance of proper soft-tissue management and the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment in the management of orthopedic injuries is emphasized.
Kidd JA, Lamas L, Henson FM.To report repair of a longitudinal scapular fracture in a horse. Methods: Case report. Methods: A 2-year-old Paint Horse colt. Methods: A longitudinal scapular fracture was surgically repaired using four 4.5 mm dynamic compression plates. Results: An acute longitudinal scapular fracture repaired surgically returned the horse to soundness within 6 months. Conclusions: Internal fixation of longitudinal scapular fracture is possible with multiple 3-5 hole dynamic compression plates. Conclusions: Longitudinal fractures of the scapula should be considered when there is lateral instability of the sh...
Elzer EJ, Bramlage LR.Outcomes have been reported for a limited number of short frontal plane fractures of the proximal phalanx following nonsurgical treatment and internal fixation. Objective: To describe a new approach, arthroscopic debridement, of short frontal plane fractures of the proximal phalanx in flat-racing Thoroughbreds and post-operative racing outcome. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Methods: Medical records of 81 Thoroughbred racehorses treated with arthroscopic debridement for frontal plane fractures of the proximal phalanx were reviewed. Diagnostic images and operative reports were used ...
Hornof WJ, Stover SM, Koblik PD, Arthur RM.The research article discusses a study on the use of oblique dorsal views in detecting stress fractures in horses who participate in races. The aim of the researchers was to […]
Campana S, Dittmann M, Kircher P, Donati B.The distribution pattern of central tarsal bone (CTB) changes has not been described, except for slab- and dorsomedial-plantarolateral fractures. Objective: To describe CTB changes in CT and document their distribution and associations. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Standing and recumbent tarsal CT studies from 94 clinical cases were retrospectively evaluated. General case information, degree of sclerosis (none-severe), lesions (demineralisation, cystoid, fissure/fracture) and their location were recorded, dividing CTBs into 8 regions. Results: Eighty five of 94 tarsi showed at ...
O'Neill HD, Bladon BM.There is limited information on the treatment of lateral malleolus (LM) fractures in the horse, with no previously published case series for the outcome following arthroscopic removal of such fractures. This report reviews and evaluates findings of a retrospective study of 13 horses admitted to a private equine referral hospital over a 10 year period (1999-2009) that underwent arthroscopic removal of fractures of the LM. Hospital records were reviewed and details including patient history, aetiology of the fracture and limb affected, results of all diagnostic tests and surgical reports were do...
Wright IM, Minshall GJ.Chip fractures of the dorsoproximal articular margin of the proximal phalanx are common injuries in racehorses. Large fractures can extend distal to the joint capsule insertion and have been described as dorsal frontal fractures. Objective: To report the location and morphology of short frontal plane fractures involving the dorsoproximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx and describe a technique for repair under arthroscopic and radiographic guidance. Methods: Single centre retrospective case study. Methods: Case records of horses with frontal plane fractures restricted to the dorsopro...
Velloso Álvarez A, Sandow CB, Rodgerson DH, Spirito MA.To evaluate the short and long-term outcomes of foals treated surgically for fractured ribs and variables that may affect outcome. Methods: Retrospective. Methods: Seventy-three equine neonates with surgically repaired fractured ribs. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to include sex, breed, the side of thorax affected, number of ribs fractured, co-morbidities directly associated with rib fracture, and surgical technique used. Short-term outcome was defined as survival to discharge. Long-term outcome was whether or not they started a race. Race records of maternal siblings were obtained fo...
Beinlich CP, Nixon AJ.In this study, the radiographic and histologic appearance of lateral palmar intercarpal ligament (LPICL) avulsion in the horse was characterized. Thirty-seven horses with radiographic evidence of avulsion fragments originating from the medial palmar aspect of the ulnar carpal bone were examined. The dorsolateral to palmaromedial projection was useful for evaluating the size and shape of the avulsed bone fragment, and the dorsopalmar projection added information on the relative proximity of the fragment to its fracture bed. Radiographic features that differentiated LPICL avulsion from subchondr...
Busschers E, Richardson DW, Hogan PM, Leitch M.To describe the characteristics of unilateral mid-body proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fractures, to determine factors associated with the outcome of horses after surgical repair, and to describe a technique for arthroscopically assisted screw fixation in lag fashion. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n=25) with unilateral mid-body PSB fracture. Methods: Medical records (1996-2006), radiographs, and arthroscopic videos of horses with surgically repaired unilateral mid-body PSB fractures were reviewed. Retrieved data included signalment, affected limb and PSB, fracture character...
Pilsworth RC, Holmes MA, Shepherd M.A fracture of the pelvis in a horse can be detected scintigraphically by probe point counting. However, the pelvis is covered by a large and variable muscle mass, and is close to the urinary bladder, both of which can introduce errors. This paper describes an improved technique which uses a larger set of sampling points and analyses the data with a small computer to construct a three dimensional graph of the gamma-ray output across the pelvis, thus helping to improve the interpretation of the data. The scintigraphic plot from a normal horse, three cases of fracture (confirmed by radiography, u...
Barr AR.An objective radiological method of assessing the degree to which horses are conformationally 'back at the knee' (hyper-extended) is described. The effects on the measurements of variations in the direction of the incident X-ray beam and variations in weight bearing by the horse were assessed. A change from a lateromedial projection towards a plamaro-lateral-dorsomedial oblique projection consistently tended to reduce the observed degree of hyperextension of the carpus. Raising the contralateral limb to increase the load on the carpus had little effect on the measurements. The carpi of 21 thor...
Denny HR.The current trends in equine fracture treatment are reviewed. Surgical approach, method of fixation, the advantages of Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (ASIF) implants and the complications of treatment are discussed with reference to 21 fracture cases. Normal limb function was restored in four horses with fractures of the olecranon and one with a mid shaft fracture of the tibia following stabilisation of the fracture with plates. A horse with a chip fracture of the distal radius and three other animals with fractures of the lateral condyle of the third metacarpal bone were also ...
Seltzer KL, Stover SM, Taylor KT, Willits NH.The torsional monotonic structural material properties of equine metacarpi with or without, either a 5/16 inch or 3/8 inch diameter bicortical lateromedial middiaphyseal hole were assessed to determine the effect of a hole on metacarpal strength. Torsional stiffness was not significantly effected by the presence of a bicortical hole, whereas yield and failure angles, torques and energies of metacarpi with a hole were 51% to 97% of those of intact bones. Significant differences were not apparent for yield and failure mechanical properties between metacarpi with a 5/16 inch diameter hole and met...
Sod GA, Mitchell CF, Hubert JD, Martin GS, Gill MS.To compare monotonic biomechanical properties and fatigue life of a 5.5 mm broad limited-contact dynamic compression plate (5.5-LC-DCP) fixation with a 4.5 mm broad LC-DCP (4.5-LC-DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine third metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by 1 of 2 methods for fracture fixation. Methods: Adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones (n=18 pair). Methods: MC3 were divided into 3 test groups (6 pairs each) for: (1) 4-point bending single cycle to failure testing; (2) 4-point bendi...
Dias IR, Maia LM, Quaresma M, Cotovio M, Silva FC.Complete fractures of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bones (Mc/t3) are not common, but can occur in various situations and all types of horses, contributing for approximately one third of all long bone fractures in the horse, mostly related to external trauma or to high energy injuries. To stabilize Mc/t3 fractures in the horse, conservative management with walking casts and/or open reduction and internal fixation techniques are referred in the scientific literature, these last one generally by double platting application to bone surface in 90 degrees. In the present case will be described a ...
Shields GE, Whitcomb MB, Vaughan B, Wisner ER.Injuries involving the femoral third trochanter are an uncommon but important source of equine lameness; however, clinical localization can be challenging. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe ultrasonographic and scintigraphic findings in a group of horses with presumed third trochanter injury. Medical records of an equine referral hospital were searched from 2004-2014, and 20 horses met the inclusion criteria. Lesions consistent with third trochanter fracture were identified with ultrasound in 14/20 horses. Onset of lameness was acute (11), insidious (2), or unknown (1). A...
Bueno AC, Galuppo LD, Taylor KT, Jensen DG, Stover SM.To compare the mechanical shear strengths and stiffnesses obtained from in vitro testing of a simulated complete third carpal bone (C3) frontal plane radial facet slab fracture (osteotomy) stabilized with either a 4/5 Acutrak (AT) compression screw or a 4.5-mm AO cortical bone (AO) screw inserted in lag fashion. Drilling, tapping, and screw insertion torques, forces, and times also were compared between AT and AO implants. Methods: In vitro biomechanical assessment of site preparation, screw insertion, and shear failure test variables of bone screw stabilized simulated C3 slab fracture in pair...
Quinteros DD, García-López JM, Abuja GA, Tarkanian M, Maranda LS, Bubeck K, Kowaleski MP.To determine if the mechanical properties (strength and stiffness) of a new prototype 4.5 mm broad locking plate (NP-LP) are comparable with those of a traditional 4.5 mm broad limited-contact self compression plate (LC-SCP), and to compare the bending and torsional properties of the NP-LP and LC-SCP when used in osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones (MC3). Methods: The plates alone were tested in four-point bending single cycle to failure. The MC3-plate constructs were created with mid-diaphyseal osteotomies with a 1 cm gap. Constructs were tested in four-point bending single cycle to fa...
Ramzan PHL, Wylie CE.Arthroscopy is considered the treatment of choice for dorsal osteochondral chip fractures of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joints in the racehorse; however, there is no published research on non-surgical management of this injury. Objective: To compare clinical features, intra-articular medication use and return to racing in Thoroughbred racehorses with non-surgically (non-SX) or surgically (SX) managed MCP/MTP dorsal chip fracture. Methods: Retrospective observational study conducted between 2006 and 2014. Methods: Radiographs of Thoroughbred racehorses were reviewed to identify...
Rahm C, Ito K, Auer J.To compare acute fixation stability and insertion effort of cortex bone screws with and without a shaft inserted in lag fashion in equine metacarpal (metatarsal, MC(T)III) bone. Methods: Screw types with independent variables of screw diameter (4.5 or 5.5 mm) and shaft type (without shaft, with 20-mm shaft, or with 25-mm shaft) were studied. Bone specimens cut from distal equine MC(T)III condyles were used. After screw insertion in lag fashion into 2 bone blocks with an instrumented device, shear tests were conducted in a mechanical testing machine. Outcome variables of peak insertion torque, ...
Watt BC, Foerner JJ, Haines GR.To describe incomplete oblique sagittal dorsal cortical fractures of the equine third metacarpal bone, their surgical repair, and subsequent performance of the horses. Methods: Retrospective examination of medical records and racing performance. Methods: Six Thoroughbred race horses, 2 to 4 years of age. Methods: Radiographic confirmation of all fractures preceded general anesthesia and surgical correction. Three fractures were treated by intracortical compression using screws placed in lag fashion, and five fractures were treated by osteostixis. Race records were reviewed for each horse to de...
Boorman S, Richardson DW, Hogan PM, Stefanovski D, Levine DG.To report the performance of thoroughbred racehorses after surgical repair of a medial condylar fracture of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Forty-three horses surgically treated for medial condylar fractures, 30 with previous racing experience, 13 without previous racing experience (nonexperienced). Methods: Medical records (2009-2017) were reviewed for signalment, radiographic fracture characteristics, repair technique, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Each experienced horse was matched with two horses randomly selected from its mo...
van der Kolk JH, van Hoorn CJ, van Garderen E, van den Belt AJ.An eighteen-year-old pony gelding was referred to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine because of colic, due to cecal tympany. His haircoat was dull with long wavy hair. After medical treatment of the colic it was sent home three days later. Just before it had been dismissed the morning plasma glucose concentration measured 10.2 mmol.l-1. The basal plasma cortisol concentration was high (180 nmol.l1) and basal plasma ACTH concentration was highly elevated (> 960 pg.ml1). An ACTH-stimulation test was performed by intravenous administering of 0.25 mg synthetic ACTH 1 24 at 9.00 hours showing ad...
Sherlock CE, Eggleston RB, Howerth EW.A 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was evaluated because of sudden onset of severe left forelimb lameness of 4 days' duration. Results: Clinical evaluation and diagnostic perineural analgesia localized the lameness to the distal portion of the left forelimb. Radiography revealed a transverse fracture of the distal phalanx of the left forelimb. Results: The horse was treated conservatively with stall rest and stabilization of the hoof with fiberglass cast material and an elevated heel support. These treatments improved the lameness considerably. Over the following 4 months, the horse was exerci...
Sasaki N, Takakuwa J, Yamada H, Mori R.To evaluate effectiveness of allogeneic bone screws and pins for internal fixation of midbody transverse fractures of equine proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) in vitro. Methods: 14 forelimbs from cadavers of 3-year-old Thoroughbreds. Methods: Allogeneic cortical bone fragments were collected from the limbs of a male Thoroughbred, and cortical bone screws were prepared from the tissue by use of a precision desktop microlathe programmed with the dimensions of a metal cortical bone screw. A midbody transverse osteotomy of each PSB was performed by use of a bone-shaping oscillating saw and repaired v...