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Topic:Limb Deformities

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.
Effect of heel elevation on forelimb conformation in horses.
Australian veterinary journal    October 14, 2004   Volume 82, Issue 9 558-562 doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2004.tb11202.x
Pearce SG, Boure LP, Bolger A, Thomason JJ, Dobson H.To determine the conformational changes in the distal forelimb of horses following heel elevation of 15 degrees and greater. An experimental study with repeated, within-horse measurements. Methods: Five clinically normal, mixed-breed horses were used to determine distal forelimb conformation following heel elevation from 0 to 45 degrees in 15 degree increments. Data were also compared to conformation of the limb in a Kimzey splint. Conformation was determined using lateral to medial radiographic projections. Conformation parameters assessed included measurement of apparent lengths of digital f...
Skeletal atavism in a miniature horse. 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...
Thyroid hyperplasia and musculoskeletal deformity in a standardbred filly in Ontario.
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne    June 23, 2004   Volume 45, Issue 5 424-426 
Gawrylash SK.Thyroid hyperplasia and musculoskeletal deformity, described in foals in western Canada, has not been recognized as a common cause of neonatal foal mortality in Ontario. A case is reported from Ontario, with clinical and histopathological findings consistent with the syndrome described in western Canada. Résumé — Hyperplasie thyroïdienne et déformation musculosquelettique chez une pouliche Standardbred. L’hyperplasie de la thyroïde et la déformation musculosquelettique, décrites chez les poulains dans l’ouest du Canada, n’a pas été reconnue comme cause fréquente de mortalité...
Foot management in the foal and weanling.
The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice    October 25, 2003   Volume 19, Issue 2 501-517 doi: 10.1016/s0749-0739(03)00016-6
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.
Healing characteristics of deep digital flexor tenorrhaphy within the digital sheath of horses.
Veterinary surgery : VS    October 22, 2003   Volume 32, Issue 5 421-430 doi: 10.1053/jvet.2003.50059
Jann H, Blaik M, Emerson R, Tomioka M, Stein L, Moll D.To describe the healing characteristics of deep digital flexor tenorrhaphy within the digital sheath. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Five mature horses. Methods: Right thoracic limb, deep digital flexor tenorrhaphy was performed within the digital sheath. Limbs were cast in partial flexion using a short limb cast for 6 weeks. Next, extended heel shoes were used for limb support for 14 weeks. Healing was evaluated by sequential ultrasonographic examinations, and limb use was evaluated by force plate analysis. At 26 weeks, mechanical strength and morphologic characteristics of the repair ...
Biomechanics: A catapult action for rapid limb protraction.
Nature    January 4, 2003   Volume 421, Issue 6918 35-36 doi: 10.1038/421035a
Wilson AM, Watson JC, Lichtwark GA.No abstract available
Effect of hemi-circumferential periosteal transection and elevation in foals with experimentally induced angular limb deformities.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association    August 20, 2002   Volume 221, Issue 4 536-540 doi: 10.2460/javma.2002.221.536
Read EK, Read MR, Townsend HG, Clark CR, Pharr JW, Wilson DG.To evaluate the effect of hemi-circumferential periosteal transection and elevation (HCPTE) in foals with, experimentally induced angular limb deformities. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: 10 healthy foals. Methods: When foals were 30 days old, transphyseal bridge implants were placed on the lateral aspects of both distal radial physes. At 90 days of age (or when 15 degrees of angulation had developed), implants were removed, and HCPTE was performed on 1 limb. Foals were confined in small pens after surgery; the front feet of the foals were rasped weekly to maintain medial-to-lateral hoof ...
Three-dimensional kinematics of the proximal interphalangeal joint: effects of raising the heels or the toe.
Equine veterinary journal. Supplement    November 28, 2001   Issue 33 79-83 doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb05365.x
Degueurce C, Chateau H, Jerbi H, Crevier-Denoix N, Pourcelot P, Audigié F, Pasqui-Boutard V, Geiger D, Denoix JM.The proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) has always been considered as a low-motion joint with an almost constant angle during loading of the limb. Until very recently, its motion was not taken into account in kinematic studies in vivo. Recent in vivo studies yielded surprisingly high ranges of motion in this joint. The aim of this study was to measure, in terms of the 3 possible rotations (flexion/extension, collateromotion and axial rotation), the movements of the PIPJ in vitro during limb loading in a neutral position (500-6000 N) and after the addition of heel and toe wedges (6 degrees an...
Doppler sonographic measurements of arterial blood flow and their repeatability in the equine foot during weight bearing and non-weight bearing.
Research in veterinary science    October 26, 2001   Volume 70, Issue 3 199-203 doi: 10.1053/rvsc.2001.0461
Hoffmann KL, Wood AK, Griffiths KA, Evans DL, Gill RW, Kirby AC.In six normal adult horses, pulsed-wave Doppler sonographic inspections were made of the left and right lateral palmar proper digital artery (LPPDA) of each thoracic limb. Using a two-period, crossover design with repeated measures, each LPPDA was inspected on four occasions throughout the day over a 7 hour period and, on each occasion, with the limb weight bearing and non-weight bearing. In comparison with the observations made during weight bearing, there were significant increases (P<0.001) in blood-flow velocities when the limb was non-weight bearing. There was no relationship between b...
Voluntary limb-load distribution in horses with acute and chronic laminitis.
American journal of veterinary research    September 19, 2001   Volume 62, Issue 9 1393-1398 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2001.62.1393
Hood DM, Wagner IP, Taylor DD, Brumbaugh GW, Chaffin MK.To compare limb-load distribution between horses with and without acute or chronic laminitis. Methods: 10 horses with carbohydrate-induced acute laminitis, 20 horses with naturally occurring chronic laminitis, and 20 horses without foot abnormalities (controls). Methods: Limb-load distribution was determined, using a custom-designed system that allowed simultaneous quantification of the mean percentage of body weight voluntarily placed on each limb (ie, mean limb load) and the SD of the mean load over a 5-minute period (ie, load distribution profile [LDP]). Load distribution profile was used a...
Myofibroblasts in the accessory ligament (distal check ligament) and the deep digital flexor tendon of foals.
American journal of veterinary research    June 13, 2001   Volume 62, Issue 6 823-827 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2001.62.823
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...
Influence of training on the biokinematics in trotting Andalusian horses.
Veterinary research communications    November 21, 2000   Volume 24, Issue 7 477-489 doi: 10.1023/a:1006455723062
Cano MR, Miró F, Diz AM, Agüera E, Galisteo AM.The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a 10-month training programme on the linear, temporal and angular characteristics of the fore and hind limbs at the trot in the Andalusian horse, using standard computer-aided videography. Sixteen male Andalusian horses were observed before and after training. Six strides were randomly selected for analysis in each horse and linear, temporal and angular parameters were calculated for fore and hind limbs. The training programme used here produced significant changes in kinematic parameters, such as shortening of stride length, and increase...
Use of an external ring fixator for correction of an acquired angular limb deformity in a donkey.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association    October 24, 2000   Volume 217, Issue 8 1186-1190 doi: 10.2460/javma.2000.217.1186
Eggleston RB, Mueller PO, Chambers JN, Bentley A.Numerous techniques for surgical correction of angular limb deformities in horses involving an osteotomy of the affected bone and stabilization with an internal fixation device have been described. However, because the osteotomy typically has to be performed at the level of the physis, leaving little bone between the physis and the nearest joint, stabilizing the osteotomy by use of internal fixation devices may be difficult. In horses with severe chronic angular limb deformities, the amount of soft-tissue contracture may make it impossible to correct the deformity during a single procedure wit...
Limb loading activity of adult horses confined to box stalls in an equine hospital barn.
American journal of veterinary research    March 14, 2000   Volume 61, Issue 3 234-237 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2000.61.234
McD○ LA, Stover SM, Coleman K.To determine a range of limb loading activity for healthy adult horses confined to box stalls in an equine veterinary teaching hospital and determine the effects of hospital environmental factors on load rates and daily limb loading patterns. Methods: 6 mature healthy horses of various ages, breeds, and sexes, and 1 horse with a repaired metatarsal fracture. Methods: Step monitors were placed on 2 limbs of adult horses confined to box stalls. Relocation steps and weight shifts were recorded, as loading events, for 24 hours. Influence of forelimb versus hind limb and environmental factors on lo...
Response of newborn foals with thyroid musculoskeletal disease to adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH).
Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement    January 1, 2000   Issue 56 709-715 
Card CE, Manning ST.Fetal maturation and equine parturition are not understood fully, although the adrenal and thyroid glands are thought to have regulatory roles. Thyroidectomized equine fetuses undergo prolonged gestation, and spontaneous diseases such as thyroid musculoskeletal disease and gestational fescue endophyte exposure are also associated with delayed parturition. Thyroid musculoskeletal disease is characterized by: histologically hyperplastic thyroid glands, chondro-osseous dysplasia and dysgenesis, angular limb deformity, low resting thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations, and lack of response...
Treatment response and athletic outcome of foals with tarsal valgus deformities: 39 cases (1988-1997).
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association    December 1, 1999   Volume 215, Issue 10 1481-1484 
Dutton DM, Watkins JP, Honnas CM, Hague BA.To evaluate the response to various treatments and long-term outcome of foals with tarsal valgus deformities. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 39 foals with tarsal valgus deformities. Methods: Data collected from medical records, included signalment, history, reason for admission, and clinical findings. Radiographic views of the tarsus were evaluated for incomplete ossification of tarsal bones and were classified as normal in appearance, type-I incomplete ossification, or type-II incomplete ossification. Treatment and athletic outcome were documented for each foal. Results: Radiographic ...
Analysis of video-recorded images to determine linear and angular dimensions in the growing horse.
Equine veterinary journal    October 3, 1999   Volume 31, Issue 5 402-410 doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03840.x
Hunt WF, Thomas VG, Stiefel W.Studies of growth and conformation require statistical methods that are not applicable to subjective conformation standards used by breeders and trainers. A new system was developed to provide an objective approach for both science and industry, based on analysis of video images to measure aspects of conformation that were represented by angles or lengths. A studio crush was developed in which video images of horses of different sizes were taken after bone protuberances, located by palpation, were marked with white paper stickers. Screen pixel coordinates of calibration marks, bone markers and...
The science and art of angular limb deformity correction.
Equine veterinary journal    July 13, 1999   Volume 31, Issue 3 182-183 doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03168.x
Bramlage LR.No abstract available
Abnormal bone scan findings of the equine ischial tuberosity and third trochanter. Geissbühler U, Busato A, Ueltschi G.Obtaining high-quality radiographs of the proximal aspect of equine limbs is difficult because of the large muscles in these regions. The use of scintigraphy may provide further information. Abnormal bone scan findings of the ischial tuberosity or the third trochanter were found in 29 adult horses with obscure hind limb lameness between 1986 and 1996 at the Large Animal Clinic of the University of Bern. Each had abnormal radiopharmaceutical uptake but not all had radiographic changes. Radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios between the ischial tuberosity and the greater trochanter were calculated. T...
Radiographic assessment of equine interphalangeal joints asymmetry: articular impact of phalangeal rotations (Part I).
Zentralblatt fur Veterinarmedizin. Reihe A    October 30, 1998   Volume 45, Issue 6-7 319-325 doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.1998.tb00834.x
Caudron I, Grulke S, Farnir F, Aupaix R, Serteyn D.This study is part of a work to develop a radiographic method that defines objectively the individual conformation of an equine digit and its appropriate trimming. The authors used isolated distal limbs on a rotation support to study the influence of induced foot rotations on several angles measured from specific radiographs. The results of this work enabled the authors to quantify the rotation of the proximal phalanx compared to the distal, and to determine exactly the possible rotation in the distal interphalangeal joint. It was also observed that, faced with a forced rotation of the foot, t...
Radiographic assessment of equine interphalangeal joints asymmetry: articular impact of asymmetric bearings (Part II).
Zentralblatt fur Veterinarmedizin. Reihe A    October 30, 1998   Volume 45, Issue 6-7 327-335 doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.1998.tb00835.x
Caudron I, Grulke S, Farnir F, Aupaix R, Serteyn D.This study is part of a work to develop a radiographic method that defines objectively the individual conformation of an equine digit and its appropriate trimming. The authors used isolated distal limbs fastened on a rotation support with variable inclinations to study the influence of induced asymmetric bearings on various angles measured from specific radiographs. The digit responded to asymmetric bearings by 1. deformation of the hoof; 2. rotation of the phalanges; and 3. joint asymmetry or local articular space narrowing. The two last situations occurred mainly in the distal interphalangea...
What is your diagnosis? Carpus valgus and hypoplasia of the carpal bones in a foal.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association    April 8, 1998   Volume 212, Issue 6 815-816 
Campbell EM, Sedrish SA, Martin GS.No abstract available
Lag screw fixation of an extensor process fracture in a foal with flexural deformity.
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne    April 1, 1997   Volume 38, Issue 4 226-228 
MacLellan KN, MacDonald DG, Crawford WH.A 4-month-old colt with stage I flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint was diagnosed as having a type IV nondisplaced fracture of the extensor process of the 3rd phalanx. An inferior check ligament desmotomy and internal fixation of the fracture were performed. Favorable long-term results for internal fixation of extensor process fractures are presented.
The influence of bandage characteristics and inter-individual application variations on underneath bandage pressures.
Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)    April 1, 1997   Volume 12, Issue 3 S10 doi: 10.1016/s0268-0033(97)88320-9
Morlock M, Nassutt R, Bonin V.INTRODUCTION:: Cohesive bandages are applied to the legs of racehorses and horses with limb injuries for protection (prevention of abrasion) and support (reduction of movement at the fetlock joint). The support capacity of all commercially available bandages has been questioned. Consequently, the protection aspect of bandaging and the negative side effects, which can be caused by bandaging (eg pressure induced ischemia with subsequent necrosis), were emphasized. High pressures underneath bandages were shown to cause reduced blood flow. Pressures underneath certain types of bandages were shown ...
Radiographic features of mastocytosis in the equine limb.
Equine veterinary journal    January 1, 1997   Volume 29, Issue 1 63-66 doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb01639.x
Samii VF, O'Brien TR, Stannard AA.No abstract available
[Polydactyly in a foal–a case report].
Tierarztliche Praxis    June 1, 1996   Volume 24, Issue 3 275-277 
Weinhart G, Götz E, Götz HJ.Polydactylism, an excess deformity in a foal is described. The hereditary pathology and etiopathogenesis are discussed. A method of surgical correction of the deformed extremity is introduced. Indication and prognosis of the surgical correction of polydactylism and aspects concerning the breeding management are discussed.
Racing performance after hemicircumferential periosteal transection for angular limb deformities in thoroughbreds: 199 cases (1987-1989).
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association    September 15, 1995   Volume 207, Issue 6 746-750 
Mitten LA, Bramlage LR, Embertson RM.Racing records of 199 Thoroughbred foals with angular limb deformities surgically treated by hemicircumferential periosteal transection and elevation (HCPT) from 1987 through 1989 (principals) were compared with records of their 1,017 siblings (controls) for starting status; 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old starts; earnings and earnings per start; and starts percentile ranking number (SPR). Principals had a slightly lower percentage of horses starting a race (45 vs 55%), fewer 2-year-old starts (1.06 vs 1.72), and lower SPR (33.49 vs 49.18), compared with those of controls (P < 0.05). Starting status...
Vascular phase scintigraphic evaluation of equine distal limb perfusion following trauma: 3 cases.
Equine veterinary journal    May 1, 1995   Volume 27, Issue 3 228-233 doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb03067.x
Bell BT, Long MT, Chambers MD, Baker GJ.No abstract available
Hyperplasia of the thyroid gland and musculoskeletal deformities in two equine abortuses.
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne    April 1, 1995   Volume 36, Issue 4 234-236 
Allen AL.No abstract available
In vitro comparison of the standard short limb cast and three configurations of short limb transfixation casts in equine forelimbs.
American journal of veterinary research    September 1, 1994   Volume 55, Issue 9 1331-1334 
McClure SR, Watkins JP, Bronson DG, Ashman RB.Axial stability of equine oblique proximal phalangeal osteotomies with application of the standard short limb cast or 1 of 3 configurations of transfixation casts was determined in vitro. Transfixation cast methods included use of parallel pins, divergent pins, or parallel pins incorporating a metal walking bar. Displacement at the osteotomy was recorded for each limb at 4,448 N. Standard short limb casts provided significantly (P = 0.0002) less axial stability than did any form of transfixation cast. Significant differences were not found between the 3 transfixation casts.
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