Limb deformities in horses refer to abnormalities in the shape or alignment of the limbs, which can occur due to genetic factors, developmental issues, or trauma. These deformities can affect the horse's gait, performance, and overall health. Common types of limb deformities include angular limb deformities, such as valgus and varus, and flexural deformities, like contracted tendons. Diagnosis and management of limb deformities often involve clinical examination, imaging techniques, and sometimes corrective interventions. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and implications of limb deformities in equine health.
Crevier-Denoix N, Audigié F, Emond AL, Dupays AG, Pourcelot P, Desquilbet L, Chateau H, Denoix JM.OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of track surface firmness on the development of musculoskeletal injuries in French Trotters during 4 months of race training. ANIMALS 12 healthy 3-year-old French Trotters. PROCEDURES Horses were paired on the basis of sex and body mass. Horses within each pair were randomly assigned to either a hard-track or soft-track group. The counterclockwise training protocol was the same for both groups. Surface firmness of each track was monitored throughout the training period. Radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, and scintigraphy were performed on all 4 limbs of each ho...
McCarrel TM.Angular limb deformities are common in foals; however, the importance of the deformity and if treatment is required depend on the degree of deformity relative to normal conformation for stage of growth, the breed and discipline expectations, age, and response to conservative therapies. This article addresses the importance of the foal conformation examination to determine which foals need surgical intervention to correct an angular deformity and when. Techniques for surgical growth retardation include the transphyseal staple, screw and wire transphyseal bridge, and transphyseal screw. Appropri...
García-López JM.Angular limb deformities are seen in young foals and are defined as lateral or medial deviations of the limb in the frontal plane distal to a particular joint. Several factors can contribute to the development of an angular limb deformity. Early assessment of the level of ossification of the cuboidal bones is critical to avoid complications long term. Although most deviations self-correct with minimal intervention other than modifications in exercise and hoof trimming, some require surgical intervention in the form of growth acceleration or retardation. This article focuses on growth augmentat...
Caldwell FJ.Flexural deformities in young horses are commonly referred to as contracted tendons, which is a term that is not consistent with what is currently understood about their cause. Flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint can be either congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develop at a later stage of growth typically between 1 and 6 months of age). These 2 manifestations are commonly managed differently depending on the cause, age of onset, severity, duration, complicating factors, and owner expectations. Early recognition and appropriate intervention are essential to ensure th...
Gaughan EM.Early recognition and treatment of congenital and acquired flexural deformities of the carpi and fetlocks of foals can lead to conformation correction and an athletic future. Treatment is often based on rigid external coaptation assisted by systemic medical treatment. Foals that readily respond to treatment and correct conformation faults can have normal adult athletic expectations.
O'Grady SE.Hoof care in the first few months of life is serious business and should never be taken lightly. Farriery plays a vital role in both the development of the hoof and the conformation of the limb. Management of the feet and limbs during this period will often dictate the success of the foal as a sales yearling or mature sound athlete. A sound foot care program is time-consuming, whereas assembly-line trimming is quick and easy, but the former is much more beneficial.
Schoonover MJ, Moser DK, Young JM, Payton ME, Holbrook TC.To determine the influence of a dual tourniquet technique and limb exsanguination on amikacin concentrations in the synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) after low volume, cephalic intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP). Methods: Randomized cross-over design. Methods: Six healthy adult horses. Methods: One gram of amikacin in 6 mL of 0.9% NaCl was infused via cephalic IVRLP in 6 standing, sedated horses using 4 techniques: proximal pneumatic tourniquet (P), proximal pneumatic tourniquet with exsanguination (PE), proximal pneumatic and distal...
Nieth J, Köhler K, Wehrend A.Two cases of an innate hyperplastic goiter in foals as well as the sonographic evaluation of the hyperplastic gland are presented. One foal displayed skeletal deformities in the form of a mandibular prognathism and forelimb contractures in addition to the swollen thyroid gland. Because of a poor prognosis, the animal was euthanized. The second foal was premature and displayed respiratory signs. Under symptomatic therapy, the goiter regressed within a few weeks.
Leśniak K, Williams J, Kuznik K, Douglas P.Variation in equine hoof conformation between farriery interventions lacks research, despite associations with distal limb injuries. This study aimed to determine linear and angular hoof variations pre- and post-farriery within a four to six week shoeing/trimming interval. Seventeen hoof and distal limb measurements were drawn from lateral and anterior digital photographs from 26 horses pre- and post-farriery. Most lateral view variables changed significantly. Reductions of the dorsal wall, and weight bearing and coronary band lengths resulted in an increased vertical orientation of the hoof. ...
Kelmer G, Tatz AJ, Kdoshim E, Britzi M, Segev G.This prospective experimental study goal was to determine the pharmacokinetics of imipenem after intravenous regional limb perfusion (IV-RLP) in standing horses. Nine horses participated in the study; that was approved by the University Animal Care and Use Committee. One thoracic limb or one pelvic limb of each horse was randomly selected. After the veins were catheterized, an Esmarch bandage tourniquet was applied and the catheter was injected with a solution containing 500mg of imipenem. Synovial fluid samples were collected from the fetlock joint and blood samples were collected from the ju...
Walker VA, Tranquille CA, Newton JR, Dyson SJ, Brandham J, Northrop AJ, Murray RC.Dressage horses are often asked to work in lengthened paces during training and competition, but to date there is limited information about the biomechanics of dressage-specific paces. Preliminary work has shown increased fetlock extension in extended compared with collected paces, but further investigation of the kinematic differences between collected, medium and extended trot in dressage horses is warranted. Objective: Investigation of the effect of collected vs. medium/extended trot on limb kinematics of dressage horses. Methods: Prospective kinematic evaluation. Methods: Twenty clinically...
Ladefoged S, Grulke S, Busoni V, Serteyn D, Salciccia A, Verwilghen D.To describe the management and outcome of limb fractures in small domestic equids treated with a modified Thomas splint-cast combination (MTSCC). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Client owned horses and donkeys. Methods: Medical records, including radiographs, were reviewed for details of animals diagnosed with a limb fracture and treated by external coaptation using a MTSCC (2001-2012). Follow-up >6 months after discharge was obtained via telephone consultation with owners or veterinarians. Results: Nine horses and 4 donkeys were identified with fractures of the tibial diaphysi...
Gorissen BMC, Wolschrijn CF, Serra Bragança FM, Geerts AAJ, Leenders WOJL, Back W, van Weeren PR.Foals stand and walk immediately after birth, but insight into the subsequent longitudinal development of their gait kinetics in the early juvenile phase and the possible influence of osteochondrosis thereon is lacking. Objective: To quantify gait kinetics in foals during the first half year of life, taking into account their osteochondrosis status. Methods: Prospective, cohort study performed at a single stud farm. Methods: Pressure plate measurements at walk and trot from 11 Dutch Warmblood foals during the first 24 weeks of life were used to determine body mass normalised peak vertical forc...
Yamada K, Sato F, Hada T, Horiuchi N, Ikeda H, Nishihara K, Sasaki N, Kobayashi Y, Nambo Y.Five Thoroughbred foals (age, 8-33 weeks; median age, 31 weeks; weight, 122-270 kg; median weight, 249 kg) exhibiting ataxia with suspected cervical myelopathy (n=4) and limb malformation (n=1) were subjected to computed tomographic (CT) myelography. The areas of the subarachnoid space and cervical cord were measured on transverse CT images. The area of the cervical cord was divided by the area of subarachnoid space, and stenosis ratios were quantitatively evaluated and compared on the basis of histopathological examination. The sites with a ratio above 52.8% could have been primary lesion sit...
Moser DK, Schoonover MJ, Holbrook TC, Payton ME.To determine the effect of volume of amikacin perfusate for intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) via the cephalic vein in standing, sedated horses on (1) amikacin concentrations in the synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and, (2) amikacin concentration in the systemic circulation, and (3) regional intravenous pressure. Methods: Randomized cross-over design. Methods: Six adult horses. Methods: Each horse received IVRLP using 4 perfusate volumes (10, 30, 60 & 120 ml) in random order, after a minimum of 1 week washout. After application of ...
Klopfenstein Bregger MD, Fürst AE, Kircher PR, Kluge K, Kummer M.To describe minimally-invasive lag screw osteosynthesis combined with external coaptation for the treatment of Salter-Harris type II third metacarpal and third metatarsal bone fractures. Methods: Three foals aged two weeks to four months with a Salter-Harris type II third metacarpal or third metatarsal fracture. Surgery was carried out under general anaesthesia in lateral recumbency. After fracture reduction, the metaphyseal fragment was stabilized with two cortical screws placed in lag fashion under fluoroscopic control. A cast was applied for at least two weeks. Results: All foals had a good...
Levine DG.The first weeks of life are critical in many aspects, and the musculoskeletal system is no exception. Being able to stand and nurse within hours of life is necessary for survival. Laxity, flexural deformities, and skeletal immaturity can all make it difficult for neonates to ambulate. The increased vascularity to bones and cartilage mixed with the newly forming immune system also make neonates susceptible to infections that we rarely see in adult animals. This article concentrates on orthopedic conditions seen in the first 2 weeks of life.
Van de Water E, Oosterlinck M, Pille F.The effects of handler position and perineural anaesthesia in sound horses need investigation to facilitate interpretation of pressure plate analysis in lame horses. Objective: To evaluate the effect of handler position and perineural anaesthesia on limb loading and particularly hoof balance in sound horses. Methods: Nonrandomised crossover study. Methods: Six sound horses were walked and trotted over a pressure plate, with the handler on the left and subsequently on the right side, and finally after a bilateral low palmar digital nerve block. One week later this procedure was repeated before ...
Modesto RB, Rodgerson DH, Masciarelli AE, Spirito M.This retrospective study describes placement of distal radial transphyseal screws in Thoroughbred yearlings with carpal varus deformities while standing, and identifes short- and long-term complications following the procedure. Data gathered from 2009 to 2013 identified 8 yearlings that met the inclusion criteria. Horses were sedated intravenously and a single 4.5-mm cortical screw was placed in the distal lateral radial physis following application of local anesthetic and surgical preparation of a pre-placed hole. All horses were evaluated weekly after surgery and screw removal was performed ...
Whay HR, Dikshit AK, Hockenhull J, Parker RM, Banerjee A, Hughes SI, Pritchard JC, Reix CE.Previous studies have found the prevalence of lameness in working horses to be 90-100%. Risk factors for lameness in this important equine population, together with risk-reduction strategies adopted by their owners, are poorly understood. The objective was to uncover risk factors for lameness and limb abnormalities in working horses, by associating clinical lameness examination findings on three occasions over two years with owner reported changes in equine management and work practices over this period. Results: Twenty-one communities of horse owners in Jaipur, India, took part in a participa...
Singer E, Garcia T, Stover S.Sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) in the racehorse appear to be associated with turf racing surfaces, which are known to restrict forward slide of the foot at impact. We hypothesized that restriction of forward foot slip would result in higher P1 bone strains during metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) hyperextension. Unilateral limbs from six equine cadavers were instrumented with strain gauges and bone reference markers to measure dorsoproximal P1 bone strains and MCPJ extension, collateromotion and axial rotation during in vitro limb loading to 10,500 N. By limiting movement of th...
Reix CE, Dikshit AK, Hockenhull J, Parker RM, Banerjee A, Burn CC, Pritchard JC, Whay HR.Participatory methods are increasingly used in international human development, but scientific evaluation of their efficacy versus a control group is rare. Working horses support families in impoverished communities. Lameness and limb abnormalities are highly prevalent in these animals and a cause for welfare concern. We aimed to stimulate and evaluate improvements in lameness and limb abnormalities in horses whose owners took part in a 2-year participatory intervention project to reduce lameness (PI) versus a control group (C) in Jaipur, India. Results: In total, 439 owners of 862 horses part...
Baker WT, Slone DE, Ramos JA, Santschi EM, Lord LK, Adams SB, Lynch TM, Hughes FE.To evaluate the effect of periosteal transection and elevation in foals with naturally occurring carpal valgus deviation. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Foals (n = 9) with bilateral carpal valgus. Methods: Foals with bilateral carpal valgus had distolateral radial periosteal transection and elevation (PE) including distal ulnar transection on 1 limb. Foals were stall confined until the skin incisions healed, and then allowed free exercise in a small paddock or round pen. Dorsopalmar carpal radiographs were obtained at 14 day intervals to determine the carpal valgus angle (CV...
Medina-Torres CE, Underwood C, Pollitt CC, Castro-Olivera EM, Hodson MP, Richardson DW, van Eps AW.Lamellar perfusion is thought to be affected by weightbearing and limb load cycling; this may be critical in the development of supporting limb laminitis. Objective: To document the effects of unilateral weightbearing and altered limb load cycling on lamellar energy metabolism and perfusion. Methods: Randomised, controlled (within subject), experimental trial. Methods: Nine Standardbred horses were instrumented with microdialysis probes in the foot lamellar tissue and skin (over the tail base). Urea (20 mmol/l) was added to the perfusate. Samples were collected every 15 min for a 1 h con...
Delpont M, Lafosse T, Bachy M, Mary P, Alves A, Vialle R.The foot may be the site of birth defects. These abnormalities are sometimes suspected prenatally. Final diagnosis depends on clinical examination at birth. These deformations can be simple malpositions: metatarsus adductus, talipes calcaneovalgus and pes supinatus. The prognosis is excellent spontaneously or with a simple orthopedic treatment. Surgery remains outstanding. The use of a pediatric orthopedist will be considered if malposition does not relax after several weeks. Malformations (clubfoot, vertical talus and skew foot) require specialized care early. Clubfoot is characterized by an ...
Lui TH.Flexor hallucis longus muscle can adhere to the distal tibia after tibial fracture. The patient may complain of deep posteromedial ankle pain, checkrein deformity of the hallux, hallux flexus or development of hallux rigidus. Surgical treatment of release of the FHL muscle or lengthening of the FHL tendon has been proposed. We described an endoscopic approach of release of the FHL muscle from the distal tibia with the advantage of minimal soft tissue dissection. Methods: Therapeutic Level V: Expert Opinion/Technique.
Sørensen MA, Petersen LJ, Bundgaard L, Toft N, Jacobsen S.As in other fibroproliferative disorders, hypoxia has been suggested to play a key role in the pathogenesis of exuberant granulation tissue (EGT). The purpose of this study was to investigate metabolism and blood flow locally in full-thickness wounds healing with (limb wounds) and without (body wounds) formation of EGT. Microdialysis was used to recover endogenous metabolites from the wounds, and laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure blood flow. Measurements were performed before wounding and 1-28 days after wounding. Blood flow was consistently lower in limb wounds than in body wounds t...
Contino EK, Barrett MF, Werpy NM.To determine the effect of limb positioning on the radiographic appearance of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joint spaces of the forelimbs of horses during evaluation of dorsopalmar radiographs. Methods: Evaluation study. Methods: 14 forelimbs from 9 adult horses. Methods: Each horse was in standing position with its forelimbs positioned on blocks. Dorsopalmar radiographs of each foot were obtained with the forelimbs positioned squarely (the metacarpus of both forelimbs was perpendicular to the ground as determined by visual examination [abducted 0°]; baseline) and abducted 5° and 1...
Jordana M, Martens A, Duchateau L, Vanderperren K, Saunders J, Oosterlinck M, Pille F.Controversy exists about the desensitisation obtained after diagnostic analgesia of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) during lameness examinations. Objective: To determine whether DFTS analgesia results in inadvertent desensitisation of the palmar/plantar digital nerves and whether this depends on the injection technique used. Methods: Crossover experimental study. Methods: The DFTS of 9 horses were injected with local anaesthetic solution and radiodense contrast medium using one of the following techniques: Proximal (at lateral proximal recess of the DFTS), Axial (axial to the lateral p...
Tranquille C, Tacey J, Walker V, Mackechnie-Guire R, Ellis J, Nankervis K, Newton R, Murray R.Water treadmill (WT) exercise is frequently used for training/rehabilitation of horses. There is limited study into the effect of water depth on limb/back kinematics warranting investigation. The objective was to determine the effect of walking in different water depths, at the same speed, on limb/back kinematics measured simultaneously in a group of horses. Six horses (age:15 ± 6.5 years) completed a standardized WT exercise session (19 minutes duration; speed:1.6 m/s; water depths: 0.0/7.5/21.0/32.0/47.0 cm). Ten waterproof light-emitting-diode tea-light-markers and reflective-spheres were ...
Tyson R, Graham JP, Colahan PT, Berry CR.An 8-month-old miniature horse filly was presented for evaluation of severe rotational and angular limb deformities of the thoracic and pelvic limbs. On radiographic examination, complete ulnas and fibulas were identified. These findings are consistent with a condition previously described as a form of atavism. The term atavism is used to describe the reappearance of a trait or character that was seen in all earlier evolutionary specimens of a particular species, but has not been seen in recent ancestors. The atavistic traits of complete ulnas and fibulas have previously been described in Wels...
Jordana M, Martens A, Duchateau L, Vanderperren K, Saunders J, Oosterlinck M, Pille F.Controversy exists about the desensitisation obtained after diagnostic analgesia of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) during lameness examinations. Objective: To determine whether DFTS analgesia results in inadvertent desensitisation of the palmar/plantar digital nerves and whether this depends on the injection technique used. Methods: Crossover experimental study. Methods: The DFTS of 9 horses were injected with local anaesthetic solution and radiodense contrast medium using one of the following techniques: Proximal (at lateral proximal recess of the DFTS), Axial (axial to the lateral p...
van Heel MC, van Weeren PR, Back W.Overload injuries in sport horses commonly occur; shoeing techniques are believed to be important in prevention of these injuries, but there is a paucity of scientific information identifying the potential connection. Objective: To test a horseshoe with a modified rolled toe designed to ease the process of breakover and decrease loading of lesion-prone structures of the distal limb. Methods: Twenty clinically sound Warmblood horses trotted over a track containing a pressure/force measuring system and 6 infrared cameras. The horses were measured with 2 types of shoes, standard flat shoes and sh...
Hartzel DK, Arnoczky SP, Kilfoyle SJ, Stick JA.To demonstrate myofibroblasts in the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ie, distal check ligament) and deep digital flexor tendon of clinically normal foals. Methods: Tissue specimens from 25 foals that were necropsied for reasons unrelated to this study and unrelated to musculoskeletal disease. Methods: The distal check ligament and deep digital flexor tendon of both forelimbs were examined histologically. Myofibroblasts were identified by immunohistochemical staining specific for alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). Results: Most of the cells in the distal check ligament...
Stock KF, Distl O.Results of mare performance tests in the field (MPT-F) of 10,949 mares, mare performance tests at station (MPT-S) of 1,712 mares, and inspections of horses intended for sale at riding horse auctions (AU) of 4,772 horses were used to investigate genetic correlations between corresponding performance traits. Mare performance tests were held in 1995 to 2004 and auction inspections in 1999 to 2004. Scores on a scale from 0 to 10 were given for gaits under rider (walk, trot, canter), rideability (evaluated by judging commission and test rider), free-jumping (ability, style, total), and character. R...
Gaughan EM.Early recognition and treatment of congenital and acquired flexural deformities of the carpi and fetlocks of foals can lead to conformation correction and an athletic future. Treatment is often based on rigid external coaptation assisted by systemic medical treatment. Foals that readily respond to treatment and correct conformation faults can have normal adult athletic expectations.
Mogg KC, Pollitt CC.Forelimb surface temperatures were continuously monitored in four clinically normal ponies exposed to: (i) constant ambient temperature; (ii) a biphasic change in ambient temperature; and (iii) an incremental increase in ambient temperature. Limb surface temperatures were recorded at the hoof, metacarpus and forearm, and rectal temperature was also measured. Under constant ambient temperature, limb surface temperatures remained relatively constant. A pyrexic episode occurred in one pony under constant ambient temperature conditions and was characterised by an onset phase in which rectal temper...
Gorissen BMC, Wolschrijn CF, Serra Bragança FM, Geerts AAJ, Leenders WOJL, Back W, van Weeren PR.Foals stand and walk immediately after birth, but insight into the subsequent longitudinal development of their gait kinetics in the early juvenile phase and the possible influence of osteochondrosis thereon is lacking. Objective: To quantify gait kinetics in foals during the first half year of life, taking into account their osteochondrosis status. Methods: Prospective, cohort study performed at a single stud farm. Methods: Pressure plate measurements at walk and trot from 11 Dutch Warmblood foals during the first 24 weeks of life were used to determine body mass normalised peak vertical forc...
Journal of biomechanicsAugust 28, 2021
Volume 128 110715 doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110715
Akbari Shahkhosravi N, C R Bellenzani M, M S Davies H, Komeili A.Hoof conformation plays a key role in equine locomotion. Toe-in conformation is an abnormal condition characterized by inward deviation of the limb from its frontal axis. Several studies have documented differences in hoof deformation and hoof kinematics in horses with toe-in and normal hoof conformations. However, the reason behind this has yet to be understood. The present study hypothesizes that a different center of pressure (COP) path underneath the hoof is the cause of different deformation patterns and hoof kinematics in toe-in hooves. In vivo measurements and finite element (FE) analys...
Stock KF, Distl O.Information on 26 434 German Warmblood horses born between 1992 and 2001 was used for multivariate genetic analyses of radiographic health, conformation and performance traits to compare different modes of single- and multiple-trait selection of sires. Results of standardized radiological examinations of 5155 Hanoverian Warmblood horses, conformation evaluations from studbook inspections of 20 603 mares, and performance evaluations from mare performance tests and auction horse inspections of 16 098 horses were used for multivariate genetic analyses. Genetic parameters were estimated with restr...
Christensen BW, Troedsson MH, Murchie TA, Pozor MA, Macpherson ML, Estrada AH, Carrillo NA, Mackay RJ, Roberts GD, Langlois J.A 19-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated at 265 days of gestation with a markedly distended abdomen and edema of the ventral portion of the abdomen. Results: The uterus was distended over the pelvic rim, making transrectal palpation of the fetus impossible. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed excessive amounts of fetal fluid. Results of analysis of fluid obtained via amnio- and allantocentesis confirmed that the amniotic cavity was large. Results: The mare was monitored for signs of weakness of the prepubic tendon and abdominal wall. The fetus and placenta were monitored for signs of ...
Kelmer G, Tatz AJ, Kdoshim E, Britzi M, Segev G.This prospective experimental study goal was to determine the pharmacokinetics of imipenem after intravenous regional limb perfusion (IV-RLP) in standing horses. Nine horses participated in the study; that was approved by the University Animal Care and Use Committee. One thoracic limb or one pelvic limb of each horse was randomly selected. After the veins were catheterized, an Esmarch bandage tourniquet was applied and the catheter was injected with a solution containing 500mg of imipenem. Synovial fluid samples were collected from the fetlock joint and blood samples were collected from the ju...
Mostafa MB, Elemmawy YM.There is limited knowledge about causes of musculoskeletal injury in jumping Thoroughbred horses. The objective of this study was to describe the relationships between musculoskeletal disorders and linear and angular limb measurements acquired from photographs of horses with markers at specific reference points. The diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders in either fore or hind limbs were flexor tendonitis, suspensory ligaments desmitis, and osteoarthritis of the distal intertarsal and tarso-metatarsal and carpometacarpal joints. Lengths and angles in 17 clinically normal jumping Thoroughbred hors...
Jansen MO, van Raaij JA, van den Bogert AJ, Schamhardt HC, Hartman W.The function of several intrinsic muscles of the fore-and hind limbs of 5 ponies walking normally was evaluated via surface electromyography. Electromyographic signals were band-pass filtered, rectified, linear enveloped, and standardized to the stride duration. Mean data from the muscles of the left and right limbs that were obtained from at least 30 strides in 2 recording sessions were recorded as electromyographic signals-time curves. The timing of muscle activity was determined from these graphs. On the basis of the major peaks in the electromyographic signal, muscle functions were identif...
Moser DK, Schoonover MJ, Holbrook TC, Payton ME.To determine the effect of volume of amikacin perfusate for intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) via the cephalic vein in standing, sedated horses on (1) amikacin concentrations in the synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and, (2) amikacin concentration in the systemic circulation, and (3) regional intravenous pressure. Methods: Randomized cross-over design. Methods: Six adult horses. Methods: Each horse received IVRLP using 4 perfusate volumes (10, 30, 60 & 120 ml) in random order, after a minimum of 1 week washout. After application of ...
Hernlund E, Egenvall A, Roepstorff L.Biomechanical events of the distal limb during the landing phase of a jump have been proposed to be risk factors for injury, indicating need for further characterisation of the landing and the hoof-surface interaction. This is essential also for valid testing of arena surfaces when simulating actual conditions. Objective: To investigate the hoof landing characteristics for different limbs of elite showjumping horses during the landing phase when jumping 1.30-1.50 m competition fences on 2 different arena surfaces. Methods: A single, fixed high speed camera (1000 frames/s) was aimed at landing ...
Schoonover MJ, Moser DK, Young JM, Payton ME, Holbrook TC.To determine the influence of a dual tourniquet technique and limb exsanguination on amikacin concentrations in the synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) after low volume, cephalic intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP). Methods: Randomized cross-over design. Methods: Six healthy adult horses. Methods: One gram of amikacin in 6 mL of 0.9% NaCl was infused via cephalic IVRLP in 6 standing, sedated horses using 4 techniques: proximal pneumatic tourniquet (P), proximal pneumatic tourniquet with exsanguination (PE), proximal pneumatic and distal...
Goyal HO, MacCallum FJ, Brown MP, Delack JB.Measurements were made of growth at the extremities of all the long bones of the left limbs of 23 horses between 52 and 104 days of age. Growth rates were more rapid in the younger than in the older animals. Growth was more rapid in the hind limb than in the forelimb. Growth rates were greater for males than in females. Although this age group represents only two of the 60 or so months necessary for maturity to be reached, oxytetracycline bone-labelling produced results which are more precise than measurements obtained by other methods. This study provides a substantial amount of data for an a...
Auer JA, Martens RJ, Williams EH.Seventeen foals with angular limb deformities of the distal end of the radius (valgus: 26 limbs), distal end of the tibia (valgus: 6 limbs), and distal end of the 3rd metacarpal bone/metatarsal bone (varus: 4 limbs) were treated surgically by means of hemicircumferential division of the periosteum proximal to the involved growth plate, at the concave side of the bone. There was some correction in all cases. The best results were seen in the radius, where 22 of 25 limbs were corrected to a deviation of 4 degrees or less. Satisfactory correction was obtained in the 6 tibias, the 2 third metacarp...
van Heel MC, van Weeren PR, Back W.To determine the mechanism that enables horses to partially counteract the shift of the center of pressure under the hoof induced by changes in hoof morphology attributable to growth and wear during a shoeing interval. Methods: 18 clinically sound Warmblood horses. Methods: Horses were evaluated 2 days and 8 weeks after shoeing during trotting on a track containing pressure-force measuring plates and by use of a synchronous infrared gait analysis system set at a frequency of 240 Hz. All feet were trimmed toward straight alignment of the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges and shod with stan...
Whitehair KJ, Adams SB, Toombs JP, Parker JE, Prostredny JM, Whitehair JG, Aiken SW.A llama, a miniature horse, and a miniature donkey with severe bilateral congenital flexural deformities of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints were treated successfully by arthrodesis with dynamic compression plating or external skeletal fixation. The flexor tendons were more taut than the suspensory ligaments and were transected. In the llama, the suspensory ligament was transected, and overcorrection caused ischemic necrosis of one distal limb and subluxation of the other fetlock joint. In the horse and donkey, the suspensory ligament was preserved and wedge osteotomy was...
Dubuc V, Lepault E, Theoret CL.Wound repair in horse limbs is often complicated by excessive fibroplasia and scarring. Occlusion of the microvessels populating the granulation tissue appears to be involved in the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix during the repair of limb wounds. This study aimed to determine whether endothelial cell hypertrophy or hyperplasia, or both, contribute to microvascular occlusion and whether the pericyte is involved in this anomaly. We created 5 wounds, each 2.5 x 2.5 cm, on both forelimbs and on the body of 6 horses. One limb was bandaged to stimulate excessive wound fibroplasia. We...
Sharp Y, Tabor G.Links between poor hind hoof balance, pathologies in the hind limb and associated altered posture have been suggested but not quantified. The hoof is proposed as a neuro-sensory organ responsible for informing equine stance with implications for musculoskeletal health in the hind limb and trunk of the horse. This study aims to quantify equine limb posture and its relationship with hoof balance. Twelve horses presenting with negative plantar angles were photographed and limb posture documented before and after the creation of positive plantar angles and improved three-dimensional proportions ar...
McLaughlin BG, Doige CE, Fretz PB, Pharr JW.Six foals with angular limb deformities present at birth or shortly after were examined. The limb deformities were caused by abnormalities of the carpal bones and included hypoplasia and osteochondritis dissecans. The 3rd carpal bone was affected most frequently.
García-López JM.Angular limb deformities are seen in young foals and are defined as lateral or medial deviations of the limb in the frontal plane distal to a particular joint. Several factors can contribute to the development of an angular limb deformity. Early assessment of the level of ossification of the cuboidal bones is critical to avoid complications long term. Although most deviations self-correct with minimal intervention other than modifications in exercise and hoof trimming, some require surgical intervention in the form of growth acceleration or retardation. This article focuses on growth augmentat...
Fretz PB, McIlwraith CW.Five young horses with fetlock varus deformities of 8 degrees or greater were treated by means of wedge osteotomy of the distal end of the 3rd metacarpal or metatarsal bone. Three patients were admitted to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and 2 to Colorado State University. Their selection as surgical patients was based on the following criteria: (1) an angular limb deformity of 8 degrees or greater, (2) patient older than 120 days, (3) no evidence of lameness, and (4) no evidence of degenerative joint disease. The surgery was successful in all cases.
Greet TR, Curtis SJ.Foot management and hoof care of foals, weanlings, and yearlings tends to be considered a specialist job. Many farriers and veterinary surgeons have little exposure to young and growing stock. Nevertheless, a variety of angular and flexural limb deformities can benefit from simple podiatry techniques, which can be performed provided that a few basic rules are followed. The combined skills of the farrier and veterinary surgeon offer many young horses with angular or flexural limb deformities a chance of a future athletic career.
