Lameness in horses is a condition characterized by an abnormal gait or stance due to pain or mechanical dysfunction affecting the limbs or spine. It is a common issue in equine practice and can result from a variety of causes, including injury, infection, or degenerative diseases. Lameness can affect a horse's performance and quality of life, making accurate diagnosis and management important for equine health. Diagnostic techniques often include physical examination, imaging, and gait analysis. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the etiology, diagnostic methods, and management strategies for lameness in horses.
Jeffcott LB, McCartney RN, Speirs VC.A safe, non-invasive method for the accurate measurement of bone mineral content in the third metacarpal bone of the horse is described. The technique involves scanning the bone with a single photon beam from an Americium-241 source. Data were obtained from the excised metacarpal bones from both forelimbs of 50 normal and seven lame horses. Measurements were made in vivo on eight normal and seven lame horses and on one experimental horse with osteopenia induced by partial weightlessness in a flotation tank. In the normal horses bone mineral content altered with age, particularly in the first s...
MacGregor CM.Radiographic examination of the navicular bones of 258 horses was carried out. Of these 258 horses, 83 were sound (Group A), 151 had been diagnosed clinically as having navicular disease (Group B), and 24 had a forefoot lameness of unknown aetiology (Group C). Seven basic shapes of distal nutrient foramina were identified from these radiographs. A scoring system was then developed based on these different types of distal nutrient foramina. When this scoring system was applied to the radiographs of the 258 horses examined significant differences were found between the mean navicular scores of t...
Dyson S.The difficulties associated with the interpretation of the results of regional and intra-articular anaesthesia are discussed with reference to eight lame horses. The clinical and radiographic features of each horse are described, together with the results of anaesthesia. One horse had clinical and radiographic signs consistent with navicular disease but it was not possible to relieve the lameness. Two horses had fractures of bones within the foot but lameness was not improved by palmar (abaxial sesamoid) nerve blocks. One horse had more than one cause of lameness. Four horses had joint patholo...
Genovese RL, Rantanen NW, Hauser ML, Simpson BS.In our 3 years of clinical experience, we have found that diagnostic ultrasound provides the veterinarian with a valuable diagnostic tool. It allows the clinician to quantify morphologic change that has occurred as a result of soft-tissue injuries, even when the clinical findings are ambiguous or insufficient. In cases in which aggressive postinjury therapy has been instituted prior to presentation, diagnostic ultrasound is often the only noninvasive method that can ascertain the extent of the horse's injury. Diagnostic ultrasound provides the technology to detect injuries before they become p...
Auer JA, Watkins JP, White NA, Taylor TS, Rooney JR.Fractures of the fourth carpal bone were diagnosed in 5 horses; 3 fractures were associated with fracture of the intermediate carpal bone. The diagnosis was delayed in all 5 horses, apparently because of the moderate nature of the clinical signs. Open surgical reduction with lag screw type fixation was used in all horses. Because of delayed treatment, transfixation of carpal bones (necessary for stability), and surgical trauma, degenerative joint disease with osteophyte formation occurred in all 5 horses. None of the 5 horses was able to begin or return successfully to work, although 4 of the ...
Stover SM, Hornof WJ, Richardson GL, Meagher DM.History, physical examination, and bone scintigraphy were used to diagnose central and/or third tarsal bone trauma in 3 acutely lame horses. In all 3 cases, the results of initial radiographic examination were negative. Bone scintigraphy revealed focal, intense radioisotope uptake at the level of the distal tarsal bones in the 3 horses. Radiographs obtained 4 weeks after injury in one horse demonstrated a slab fracture of the central tarsal bone. Conservative management of the tarsal bone disease resulted in acceptable return to function in all 3 horses.
Verschooten F, Picavet TM.Desmitis of the fetlock annular ligament was diagnosed in 30 horses during a period of eight years. Most of the horses had been lame for a prolonged period and had chronically distended digital flexor tendon sheaths. Air tendograms demonstrated thickened palmar or plantar annular ligaments. In 25 horses the ligament was cut longitudinally; of these, 16 horses returned to full work without any difficulty and one became sound after a second operation. Follow up time varied from three months to seven-and-a-half years. None of the five untreated horses returned to work.
Dyson S.The results of a detailed investigation of 58 horses with suspected shoulder lameness are described. Lameness was found to originate distal to the shoulder region in 22 horses. No diagnosis was reached in five horses. Genuine shoulder problems occurred in 29 horses. The clinical signs of shoulder lameness are described and contrasted with lower limb lameness. The limitations of currently available diagnostic techniques are discussed. Problems identified in the shoulder region included osteochondritis dissecans, subchondral bone cysts, arthrosis, fracture, luxation, septic arthritis and soft ti...
Wyn-Jones G, May SA.Over a period of seven years, 30 horses were treated by surgical arthrodesis for lameness resulting from osteoarthrosis of the proximal intertarsal, distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints (bone and occult spavin). Twenty-five horses were affected in one hock only and five were affected bilaterally. Four different techniques for achieving arthrodesis were used. Fourteen out of 18 horses (78 per cent) with involvement of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints only and six out of 11 horses (55 per cent) in which the proximal intertarsal joint was also involved became sound follo...
Dyson S.Methods of investigating horses with suspected shoulder lameness are described and discussed. The gait of shoulder lameness is characterised and compared with that of lower forelimb lameness. If lameness is slight, differentiation may be difficult, but if moderate, upper forelimb lameness usually results in shortening of the cranial phase of the stride and a low limb flight. Clinically, it may not be possible to differentiate between shoulder and elbow lameness without intra-articular anaesthesia. Practical aspects of intra-articular anaesthesia of the shoulder joint are reviewed. Synovial flu...
Meredith D, Elser AH, Wolf B, Soma LR, Donawick WJ, Lazary S.Frequencies of equine leukocyte antigen distribution were determined by complement-mediated cytotoxicity testing among populations of Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses, including animals affected with equine sarcoid and laminitis. A highly significant association is described between the presence or history of sarcoid lesions in Thoroughbreds and the expression of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded antigens, W3 and B1. No association was found between antigenic expression frequencies and laminitis in either breed. These findings suggest that a strong relationship exists betw...
Wagner PC, Grant BD, Kaneps AJ, Watrous BJ.After desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (distal check ligament) had been performed in 40 horses with flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (contracture of the deep digital flexor tendon), the horses' records were evaluated retrospectively. Information concerning soundness, return to intended purpose, and cosmetic appearance of the limb and hoof was obtained. The condition had been diagnosed and treated in 26 horses before they were one year old (group A, acute) and in 14 horses greater than one year of age (group B, chronic). Nine months to ...
Dalin G, Jeffcott LB.Gait analysis can play an important role in exercise physiology, racetrack ergonomics, lameness prophylaxis, and assessment of performance potential in racehorses. This article concentrates on the methods used for gait analysis and considers some basic data on the different gaits of the horse.
Juzwiak JS, Milton JL.A 4-day-old foal underwent repair of a proximal metaphyseal fracture of the tibia. After closed reduction, fixation was achieved by use of blind cross-pinning. Thirty-five days after surgery, radiography demonstrated complete healing. The foal was mildly lame 4 months after repair of the fracture. Blind cross-pinning may be considered as a method of repair for certain long bone fractures in small foals.
Ekfalck A, Funkquist B, Jones B, Obel N.An in vitro method has been designed and used to study the incorporation of 75Se-cystine into matrix fragments from hooves and claws of healthy horses and cattle. Tissue fragments from the zone of keratinisation were incubated with L-75Se-cystine in a tissue culture medium for 4 to 6 h, during which time there was continuous incorporation of the labelled selenocystine. The incorporation was greatly decreased by adding L-cystine to the incubation mixture. It is concluded that the incorporation of 75Se-cystine depends on the presence of a specific receptor for cystine in the tissue fragments stu...
Spier S.A 3-day-old foal was examined because of forelimb lameness. Brachial artery occlusion was diagnosed. The foal was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed brachial artery thrombosis and an atrial septal defect.
Yovich JV, Aanes WA.A fracture of the caudal portion of the greater tubercle of the humerus was diagnosed in a 16-month-old Thoroughbred filly. Initially the fracture caused severe lameness. Radiography of the affected shoulder revealed the fracture fragment to be extra-articular, with a surrounding bony callus and no evidence of joint disease. After 5 weeks rest in a stall and 11 months at pasture, the filly was trained and raced without lameness.
Wyn-Jones G, Peremans KY, May SA.The management of a case of quadrilateral flexural contracture in a 10-year-old pony is described. The animal was restored to normal appearance and function through a combination of surgical desmotomy and management techniques; the importance of analgesia and exercise as adjuncts to surgery is emphasised. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the condition in the immature animal and the adult is compared and a possible association is made between this condition and palmar fibromatosis (Dupuytren's contracture) occurring in man.
Kirker-Head CA, Loeffler D, Held JP.Malignant melanoma in a 21-year-old, gray, Arabian gelding was manifested by rapidly deteriorating lameness of the right pelvic limb. A melanotic, cutaneous mass of small dimensions was identified in the left jugular furrow. Exploratory laparoscopy revealed widespread infiltration of melanotic masses into the structures of the abdominal cavity. Necropsy indicated the lameness to have resulted from infiltration of neoplastic cells into the sacral nerves, dorsal root ganglia, proximal ischiatic nerve, and gluteal muscle fibers. The primary tumor could not be identified.
Yovich JV, McIlwraith CW, Stashak TS.Osteochondritis dissecans of the sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones was diagnosed in 8 horses during an 18-month period. Seven of the horses were less than or equal to 2 1/2 years old. Synovial distention of the affected fetlock joints and a pain response to fetlock flexion were typical findings. Lameness predominated in 1 limb at a trot, although fetlock flexion frequently elicited lameness in other affected limbs. Radiography revealed bony lesions (flattening, erosion, or fragmentation) of the sagittal ridge in at least 2 fetlock joints in all horses. The onset of si...
Hurtig MB, Farrow CS, Fretz PB.The radial carpal and intermediate carpal bones were found to be fused in a four year old Quarterhorse stallion having a subtle forelimb lameness. Clinical examination, diagnostic local anesthesia, radiography and arthroscopy were used to arrive at the diagnosis. A cause could not be established, although perinatal deformation of cartilagenous carpal bone templates is suspected. A similar case of carpal bone fusion was found among carpi collected for an anatomical study, indicating this condition may be more common than expected. Clinicians should carefully evaluate the flexed lateral view of ...
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;...
Sabaté D, Homedes J, Salichs M, Sust M, Monreal L.In horses, it has been demonstrated that suxibuzone (SBZ) has a lower gastric ulcerogenic effect than phenylbutazone (PBZ). However, no field trials have been reported comparing the efficacy of the drugs in alleviating lameness. Objective: To compare the therapeutic effect of SBZ to that of PBZ when administered orally in lame horses. Acceptability of both products was also compared. Methods: Lame horses (n = 155) were used in a multicentre, controlled, randomised and double-blinded clinical trial. Horses were treated orally with either SBZ or PBZ at equivalent therapeutic dosages. PBZ was giv...
Merriam JG.There is a lot of room for us to become the central source of medical information regarding shoeing and lameness in our own practice area. This takes a good bit of effort and a real "outreach" to client and farrier. It can be done with the one tool we are best at--the acquisition and careful dispensing of information that we can put together regarding the health of the foot. Such information includes the following: 1. Radiographically guided hoof trimming and shoeing. 2. Ultrasonography. 3. Digital radiography. 4. Thermography. 5. Nutritional and health counseling. Become the "local" expert in...
Squire KR, Fessler JF, Toombs JP, Van Sickle DC, Blevins WE.Femoral head ostectomy was performed in six horses, three ponies, and four cattle for treatment of fractures of the femoral capital physis, coxofemoral luxation, fractured acetabulum, or severe degenerative joint disease. The procedures were performed via a cranial approach that did not involve osteotomy of the greater trochanter. A dorsal approach for femoral head ostectomy via osteotomy of the greater trochanter was evaluated in three healthy adult ponies. Three animals (2 ponies, 1 calf) were euthanatized within a month and one horse was euthanatized at year 2 due to postoperative complicat...
Lacourt M, MacDonald M, Rossier Y, Laverty S.To report the clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of equine patients with articular synovial cysts. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 16) with articular synovial cysts. Methods: Horses diagnosed with articular synovial cysts (1988-2009) at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were studied. Signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic methods and treatment were retrieved and telephone follow-up was obtained. Results: Sixteen horses with articular synovial cysts were identified. Lameness was the reason for referral in most (n = 9) horses. Diagnosis was based ...
Viitanen M, Bird J, Smith R, Tulamo RM, May SA.The study hypothesis was that navicular disease is a process analogous to degenerative joint disease, which leads to changes in navicular fibrocartilage and in deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) matrix composition and that the process extends to the adjacent distal interphalangeal joint. The objectives were to compare the biochemical composition of the navicular articular and palmar cartilages from 18 horses with navicular disease with 49 horses with no history of front limb lameness, and to compare navicular fibrocartilage with medial meniscus of the stifle and collateral cartilage of the hoof...
Thiemann AK, Poore LA.This article provides a review of hoof anatomy and care in donkeys and mules. Hoof disease is a major cause of poor welfare and mortality globally. Problems associated with hoof disease are discussed in the context of behavior, diet, treatment, and prevention. The most common conditions encountered are discussed, including laminitis, the overgrown unbalanced hoof, white line disease, flexural deformities, and other significant issues. Differences between donkey and horse hoof anatomy are described.
Espinosa-Mur P, Spriet M, Manso-Diaz G, Arndt S, Perez-Nogues M, Roman JL, Garcia-Mata R, Katzman SA, Galuppo LD.To assess the value of 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) for imaging the tarsus and proximal metatarsus and compare it with CT and lameness evaluation. Methods: 25 horses with lameness localized to the tarsal and proximal metatarsal regions that underwent 18F-NaF PET/CT between 2016 and 2021. Methods: 18F-NaF PET and CT images were retrospectively independently evaluated by 3 observers. Standardized uptake values (SUV) were used to characterize 18F-NaF uptake. Correlation between PET and CT findings with subjective and objective maximum (Max-D) and minimum pelvic...
Ekman S, Skiöldebrand E, Heinegård D, Hultenby K.One of the most common causes of lameness in racehorses is osteoarthritis (OA). Pathogenesis is not clear and pathological processes of the different joint tissues interact in often progressive events. The interface between cartilage and newly synthesised bone has been shown to be particularly enriched in bone sialoprotein (BSP), a cell-binding matrix protein. Objective: To establish whether changes in the concentration of BSP may serve as a marker for early biochemical changes of the subchondral bone. Methods: Articular cartilage, cartilage/bone interface and subchondral bone of the proximal ...
Sparks HD, Nixon AJ, Boening KJ, Pool RR.To describe the clinical symptoms, treatment, and outcome of meniscal cysts in horses. These structures have not been previously described in the literature as a potential cause of lameness in the horse. Objective: Meniscal cysts are an uncommon condition of the femorotibial joint but can be a significant cause of lameness. Symptoms can be resolved by arthroscopic excision. Methods: Records of horses diagnosed with meniscal cysts and treated by cyst excision and meniscal debridement at 2 surgical practices were reviewed. Clinical outcome was determined by repeat veterinary examination and cont...
Nemeth F.Within the framework of the series 'Papers of yesterday and today', two articles on neurotomy by Moubis (1876 and 1878) are used to evaluate the present status of neurectomy. In 1800 neurotomy was replaced by neurectomy because of the reinnervation which occurred after several weeks. On the basis of a literature review and clinical experience in the Department of Large Animal Surgery the indications, conditions, anatomy, operative techniques, complications and results of neurectomy are discussed. Post-operative neuroma formation is the most important complication following palmar digital neure...
Ball AN, Hoaglund EL, Pool R, Barrett MF, Bass LD.Lameness remains a common cause of retirement in the equine athlete and among hobby enthusiasts. The distal limb is one of the most frequently imaged areas, and recent advances in diagnostic imaging capabilities help practicing veterinarians differentiate normal variants from informative pathology. Although acute, non-weight-bearing lameness is commonly associated with etiologies, such as fractures, abscesses, and laminitis, other uncommon differentials such as cystic lesions and neoplasia might also be considered. This report describes the characterization of a large, cystic lesion in the thi...
Cohen JM, Schneider RK, Zubrod CJ, Sampson SN, Tucker RL.(1) To describe the clinical signs and abnormalities observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 7 horses with desmitis of the distal digital annular ligament (DDAL); (2) to describe the normal magnetic resonance (MR) appearance and thickness of the DDAL in health; and (3) to describe a tenoscopic surgical technique for treating horses with desmitis of the DDAL. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=7) with desmitis of the DDAL. Methods: MR examinations of 20 sound horses were reviewed to determine the normal appearance of the DDAL. Dimensions obtained from these images were com...
Specht TE, Nixon AJ, Colahan PT, Moore BG, Brown MP.Four horses with subchondral cyst-like lesions in the medial radial facet of the distal portion of the radius were examined. Joint effusion and signs of pain from flexion of the antebrachiocarpal joint were not observed, but lameness was observed in 3 of the 4 horses. Regional nerve blocks and intra-articular anesthesia were used to localize the lesions, and conservative treatment resulted in soundness for performance.
Dash RF, Minshall GJ, Wright IM.Slab fractures of the third carpal bone (C3) are a common cause of lameness in Thoroughbred racehorses. Information on fracture morphology is commonly obtained from radiographs or CT. This retrospective, methods comparison aimed to explore the agreement between radiography and CT for imaging C3 slab fractures and discuss the contribution of the latter to clinical case management. Thoroughbred racehorses with a slab or incomplete slab fracture of C3 identified on radiographs that subsequently underwent CT examination were included. Fracture characteristics (location, plane, classification, disp...
Patan-Zugaj B, Egerbacher M, Licka TF.Angiogenesis and sepsis-related equine laminitis have several features in common. Both events can be induced by endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide- LPS) and both are associated with increased expression of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), of which two isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2) exist. To examine the causal relationship between LPS exposure and COX expression and to investigate the tissue distribution of COX in the LPS-exposed tissue, the technique of extracorporeal haemoperfusion of isolated equine forelimbs was utilized. Perfusion was performed for 10 hr under physiological conditions (control-pe...
Fürst A, Kummer M, Lischer C, Bertolla R, Auer J, Geyer H.Fifty-four horses with hoof cracks were referred to the Equine Hospital of the University of Zurich, for treatment. The horses were admitted because of lameness or other symptoms caused by the cracks. Deep or complicated quarter cracks were the most common type of cracks diagnosed. Poor conformation and abnormal hoof shape were the most important causes of hoof crack development, whereas injury to the coronary band was a less frequently encountered cause. Effective treatment of this problem includes corrective shoeing, removing horn from the weight-bearing surface as well as from the crack wit...
Borer-Weir KE, Menzies-Gow NJ, Bailey SR, Harris PA, Elliott J.A simple, accurate test for identifying individual animals at increased risk of laminitis would aid prevention. Laminitis-prone ponies have a greater serum insulin response to dexamethasone administration than normal ponies in the summer, but the response during different seasons is unknown. Objective: To test the hypothesis that previously laminitic ponies have a greater insulin response to dexamethasone than normal ponies, which is present during all seasons. Methods: Prospective longitudinal study. Methods: Overnight dexamethasone suppression tests were performed on 7 normal ponies and 5 pr...
Knych HK, Weiner D, Harrison L, McKemie DS.Intra-articular corticosteroids, such as isoflupredone acetate, are commonly used in the treatment of joint inflammation, especially in performance horses. Following administration in a non-inflamed joints blood concentrations of isoflupredone were low and detectable for only a short period of time post-administration compared to synovial fluid concentrations. For some drugs, inflammation can affect pharmacokinetics, therefore, the goal of the current study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of isoflupredone acetate following intra-articular administration using a model of acute synovitis. S...
Bertoni L, Forresu D, Coudry V, Audigie F, Denoix JM.To characterize the clinical features, diagnostic procedures, treatment, and outcome for horses with an exostosis on the palmar or plantar cortex of the third metacarpal bone (MC3) or third metatarsal bone (MT3). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 16 horses. Methods: Records from 2001 through 2010 were evaluated to identify horses with radiographic and ultrasonographic evidence of an exostosis on an MC3 or MT3. Signalment, history, lameness examination results, diagnostic imaging results, surgical and histopathologic findings, treatment, and outcome were evaluated. Results: 9 horses ...
Nagel H, Lang H, Sole Guitart A, Lean N, Allavena R, Sprohnle-Barrera C, Young A.This case series presents a 20-year-old Quarter horse gelding and a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with a histologic diagnosis of aggressive submural neoplasia, including an anaplastic sarcoma and a squamous cell carcinoma respectively. The current case series describes these neoplasias with radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology with immunohistochemistry. The purpose of this case series is to identify the clinical pattern of chronic reoccurring lameness in these cases and highlight the appearance of expansile osteolytic pathology of the distal phalan...
Delarocque J, Frers F, Huber K, Feige K, Warnken T.Insulin dysregulation (ID) goes along with lasting or transient hyperinsulinemia able to trigger equine laminitis, a painful and crippling foot condition. Promoting weight loss through dietary changes and physical activity is currently the main option to prevent this disease. This study aimed at describing the relationship between weight variations and the level of ID as determined by oral glucose tests (OGT). Therefore, the insulin response of 19 Icelandic horses to repeated OGTs was retrospectively analysed considering the variations in their body weight. Results: There was a strong linear r...
Morgan R, Dyson S.Previous descriptions of incomplete longitudinal fractures and fatigue injury of the proximopalmar aspect of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) have focused on diagnostic imaging findings, especially in racehorses. Objective: To document the case details, clinical features, response to diagnostic analgesia, diagnostic imaging findings and follow-up data in a large group of horses with an incomplete longitudinal fracture or fatigue injury of the proximopalmar medial aspect of the McIII. Methods: Horses were included in the study if pain was localised to the proximopalmar aspect of the metacarpal...
Dern K, van Eps A, Wittum T, Watts M, Pollitt C, Belknap J.Although continuous digital hypothermia (CDH) protects lamellae from injury in the oligofructose (OF) model of sepsis-related laminitis (SRL), conflicting results exist from these studies regarding effects of CDH on lamellar inflammatory events. Objective: To determine the effect of CDH on lamellar inflammatory events in normal and OF-treated horses when instituted at a clinically relevant time point (onset of clinical signs of sepsis in this model). Methods: Standardbred geldings (n = 15) aged 3-11 years were used. Methods: In a randomized, controlled discovery study, animals were administ...
Pownder SL, Caserto BG, Bowker RM, Lin B, Potter HG, Koff MF.Few noninvasive methods are available for equine hoof wall evaluation. The highly organised wall structures and composition of proteoglycans and collagens may make this region amenable to quantitative MRI (qMRI) techniques of T1ρ and T2 mapping to identify pathology related to proteoglycan content and collagen organisation respectively. Objective: To establish normative T1ρ and T2 values of the equine hoof wall of 3-year-old Quarter Horses with histological comparison. Methods: Cadaveric anatomical study. Methods: Six cadaveric left thoracic feet from 3-year-old racing Quarter Horses with no...
Little C, Hilbert B.The clinical features of 19 horses with pelvic fractures were reviewed. The most common problem was a grade III or IV unilateral hind limb lameness. The prevalence of fractures was greater in females and horses less than 4 years old. All horses were treated with a combination of analgesic administration and stall rest for 2 to 6 months. Seven of 11 horses (64%) available for long-term follow-up evaluation recovered and 4 of 11 (36%) had no lameness when being ridden. Five of seven (71%) horses with fractures that involved the acetabulum recovered, and 4 (57%) had complete resolution of lamenes...
Lancaster LS, Bowker RM, Mauer WA.To quantify the density of primary epidermal laminae (PELs) around the solar circumference and evaluate the relationship between regional PEL density and hoof capsule morphology in horses. Methods: Forefeet from nine 3-year-old Quarter Horse cadavers. Methods: Data pertaining to gross features of hoof morphology and PEL variables, including number, density, and distribution patterns around the perimeter of the hoof wall and number of bar PELs, were collected. Tissues of the laminar junction were examined histologically. Results: No significant differences were found between left and right fore...
Frisbie DD, Kawcak CE, McIlwraith CW, Werpy NM.To assess clinical, biochemical, and histologic effects of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) or sodium hyaluronan administered intra-articularly in treatment of horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis. Methods: 24 horses. Methods: Osteoarthritis was induced arthroscopically in 1 middle carpal joint of all horses. Eight horses received hyaluronan (20 mg) and amikacin (125 mg) intra-articularly on study days 14, 21, and 28. Eight horses received PSGAG (250 mg) and amikacin (125 mg) intra-articularly on study days 14, 21, and 28. Eight control horses received 2 mL of saline (0.9% N...
Mespoulhès-Rivière C, Martens A, Bogaert L, Wilderjans H.Distal limb lacerations are common injuries in horses, with a better prognosis reported for extensor tendons lacerations compared to flexor tendons lacerations. The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of type and location of injury, modalities of treatment and post surgical complications on the outcome of extensor tendon lacerations. The medical records of 156 horses surgically treated for extensor tendon lacerations over a 10-year period were analysed retrospectively. Information was obtained for 124 horses with a minimum of 18 months follow-up. Statistical analysis ...
Compagnie E, Ter Braake F, de Heer N, Back W.Report long-term clinical and radiological follow-up in horses after removal of large extensor process fragments occupying >25% of the joint surface of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Friesian horses (n=18) that underwent arthroscopic removal of a large extensor process fragment. Methods: Arthroscopic examination of the DIJ was performed in dorsal recumbency with the affected foot in extension using routine portals. Visualization of the fragment was improved using motorized synovial resectors. A dissection plane between the common digital ex...
Williams GE.To determine whether force-plate evaluation of horses with navicular disease would reveal an abnormal gait that persists despite loss of sensation to the palmar foot region, which may predispose such horses to navicular disease. Methods: 17 clinically normal Thoroughbreds and 8 Thoroughbreds with navicular disease. Methods: Data on ground reaction forces were obtained in trotting horses, using a force plate. Force-time curve variables for clinically normal horses were derived from 4 points at the beginning and 4 points at the end of the vertical and craniocaudal horizontal plots. Principal com...
