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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.
[Polydactyly in a foal–a case report]. 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). 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...
In vitro comparison of the standard short limb cast and three configurations of short limb transfixation casts in equine forelimbs. 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.
Bilateral hind limb hypoplasia in a foal. Hypoplasia affecting both hind limbs was observed in a neonatal foal. Scintigraphy aided in establishing diagnosis and prognosis. Radiography revealed an abnormally shaped middle phalanx and lack of the distal phalanx and navicular bone in the right hind limb, with an abnormally shaped distal phalanx and navicular bone in the left hind limb. Scintigraphic findings were closely correlated with the radiographic findings. Radiographic and scintigraphic findings were confirmed at postmortem examination.
Torsion in quadrupeds and its impact on mammalian joints. Congenital and acquired torsion occur in the limbs of domestic animals. Congenital abnormalities are of clinical significance in foals; they are also seen in calves whose dams have ingested certain toxic plants that contain teratogenic agents. Acquired torsional deformities are most common in foals, but are also observed in adult horses, dogs, and llamas. Acquired rotational deformities are almost always associated with angular limb deformities. The clinical consequence of torsional deformities is the early development of degenerative joint disease.
Musculoskeletal disorders of the neonate. Musculoskeletal disorders in newborn foals are complex, multifactorial, and associated with prematurity, dysmaturity, and twinning. They include incomplete ossification of cuboidal bones, tendon laxity, congenital angular limb deformities, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and septicemia. Other deformities associated with nutrition, large size, and rapid growth include osteochondrosis, physitis, ruptured tendons, acquired flexural deformities, and postnatal angular limb deformities. Optimal management of the complexly interrelated musculoskeletal disorders of the neonate also is discussed.
Shortening of the forelimb in the horse during the stance phase. Compressions in the forelimb of a horse trotting at 3.7 m/s were studied using high-speed cinematography. From a diagram of shortenings it has been concluded that successive loadings in the longitudinal direction from below signify longer impact time and smaller impact forces compared to a theoretically stiff limb. It is proposed that the limb takes up the impact force passively until the onset of loading at the elbow joint, i.e. 30 ms following first contact.
Quantitative analysis of computer-averaged electromyographic profiles of intrinsic limb muscles in ponies at the walk. 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...
The incidence of abnormal limb development in the Irish thoroughbred from birth to 18 months. A two part survey was carried out in Irish Thoroughbred horses in 1988 and 1989 to establish the incidence and prevalence of developmental skeletal problems, particularly possible manifestations of developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD). Survey One was a retrospective study based on a questionnaire involving the foal crops of 46 stud farms for 3 successive seasons; the 1711 animals initially documented represented 10.46% of Irish foal registrations. The second survey involved repeated monitoring of the 1988 foal crop from birth to 18 months of age on 17 stud farms. The 248 foals initially exa...
Toxicosis in horses after ingestion of hoary alyssum. Fever, limb edema, and laminitis were observed in horses 18 to 36 hours after they consumed hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana) under field and experimental conditions. Clinical signs were not observed in all horses that had ingested the plant. Diagnosis in the field cases was limited to observation of clinical signs and evidence of plant ingestion in hay or on pasture. In most cases, clinical remission was observed 2 to 4 days after empirical treatment, removal of the plant source, or both.
Arthrodesis for congenital flexural deformity of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. 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...
Long-term effects of desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle in standardbreds: 23 cases (1979-1989). Desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle (inferior check desmotomy) permitted Standardbred foals affected with flexural deformities to reach their full athletic potential. Long-term effects of inferior check desmotomy were examined in 23 Standardbreds over a 10-year period. Six of 11 foals that were treated surgically either raced 6 times and obtained a race record or were training sound (if yearlings). All 12 horses with flexural deformity that did not receive an inferior check desmotomy had an unfavorable outcome (no race record). Foals that had surgery performed...
Ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint in a horse after septic arthritis and septic navicular bursitis. A 6-month-old 300-kg Quarter Horse filly was treated for septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint and septic navicular bursitis that developed as a result of a deep puncture to the foot. Initial treatment consisted of establishing ventral drainage for the navicular bursa, lavage of the distal interphalangeal joint, and administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Because of continuing sepsis in the distal interphalangeal joint, subsequent treatment included packing the defect in the bottom of the foot with cancellous bone in an att...
Hoof and distal limb surface temperature in the normal pony under constant and changing ambient temperatures. 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...
Repair of an open radial fracture in an adult horse. An open radial fracture in an adult horse (450 kg) was repaired by internal fixation, using two 18-hole 4.5-mm broad dynamic compression plates and 5.5- and 4.5-mm bone screws. The fracture healed completely, but when evaluated 9 months after surgery, the horse was lame on the fractured limb at a trot. Local infiltration of anesthesia along the distal half of the bone plates greatly ameliorated the lameness, suggesting that the plates were irritating the soft tissues and extensor tendons along the cranial and lateral aspects of the antebrachium. Both bone plates were removed simultaneously wit...
The effect of an acute angulation of the hind hooves on diagonal synchrony of trotting horses. High speed cinematography was used to measure the timing and distance characteristics of the trot in five sound horses. Two farriery treatments were compared: (1) normal, in which the dorsal hoof wall was aligned with the pastern axis in all four feet and (2) acute hind hoof angulation, in which the hind toes were allowed to grow relatively longer than the heels, so that the angulation was approximately 10 degrees lower than the normal hind hoof angle for the individual animal. Comparison between the two treatments showed that the acute hind hoof angulation was associated with significant incr...
Quantification of skin displacement in the proximal parts of the limbs of the walking horse. Displacement of skin over the underlying skeletal structures in the proximal parts of the limbs was investigated in four walking Dutch Warmblood horses. Movement of the skin was visualised with self adhesive spot labels whereas that of the skeletal parts was visualised indirectly by means of a plastic strip connected to a transcutaneous Steinmann pin, driven into the bone of interest. Consistent results for all four horses were found. Individual and mean total displacements ranged from 1 to 4 cm (distal scapula) to 13 to 17 cm (caudal part of the greater trochanter of the femur). Displacements...
Unusual polydactylism in a foal. A case report. A 2 month old quarter horse colt had multiple skeletal abnormalities of the left fore limb, including two supernumerary metacarpal bones, two supernumerary carpal bones, abnormal carpal bone development, and a valgus deformity originating at the carpal joint. The largest supernumerary metacarpal bone was removed completely, a portion of the smaller supernumerary metacarpal bone was removed, and the leg was placed in a tube cast. Surgical treatment improved the clinical appearance and prevented further injury to the limb. The carpal joint width remained increased but the carpal valgus deformity...
Dorsal subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joint in the pelvic limb of three horses. In horses, dorsal subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joint in the pelvic limb, which realigned when weight was applied to the limb, improved following surgery. Improvement was observed, if not immediately, at least within two weeks after treatment. The severity and duration of the condition appear to be important considerations in predicting the time necessary for resolution of the condition following surgery. Treatment consisted of surgical resection of a small segment of the medial head of the deep digital flexor tendon in the pelvic limb. The section removed was positioned distal t...
Pancarpal arthrodesis for treatment of carpal collapse in the adult horse. A report of two cases. Two mares with multiple carpal bone fractures, malarticulation and degenerative joint disease were successfully treated with unilateral arthrodeses of the antebrachiocarpal, middle carpal, and carpometacarpal joints. Arthrodesis was achieved by removal of articular cartilage, autogenous cancellous bone graft, and double dynamic compression plating. In one horse, wedge ostectomy corrected the severe, acquired angular limb deformity. External coaptation supplemented the internal fixation. Postoperative complications were limited to cast sores that healed with treatment, although protracted in on...
Effect of weight loading on the coronary band interstitial fluid pressure in horses. Interstitial fluid pressures, as a possible function of limb load, were measured at 2 sites within the digital coronary dermis of both cranial digits in 10 standing horses. Fluid pressure changes and digital load measurements were simultaneously detected and recorded by use of, respectively, modified wick-in-needle and force plate transducers coupled to a microcomputer. Mean pressures, recorded at limb loads between 50 and 80 kg, were 2.29 +/- 3.17 mm of Hg at the toe and 2.49 +/- 5.91 mm of Hg at the heel. Mean pressures, recorded between 150 and 180 kg, were 5.01 +/- 5.23 mm of Hg at the toe...
Use of dynamic compression plates for treatment of tibial diaphyseal fractures in foals: nine cases (1980-1987). The medical records of 9 foals less than 4 months old, with fracture of the tibial diaphysis, were reviewed. Open reduction was accomplished by use of 3 approaches; however, a cranial approach was preferred and was used in 7 foals. Two dynamic compression plates were implanted in all foals except the first of this series. The technique of plate luting was used in 7 foals and appeared to improve the ability of implants to resist failure. Complications after surgery included partial or complete failure of fracture fixation (n = 3 foals), osteomyelitis (n = 2 foals), angular limb deformity (n = 2...
Effects of dietary energy and phosphorus content on blood chemistry and development of growing horses. Growth and clinical biochemistry were examined over 30 wk in 42 light horse weanlings fed high-forage diets (73 to 77% alfalfa) or high-concentrate diets (63 to 65% grain and grain by-products) that were either low (.24 to .35%), normal (.68%) or high (.95 to 1.06%) in P. Body weights and blood samples were taken every 2 wk. Forage and concentrate diets contained 2.65 and 3.09 Mcal digestible energy/kg DM, respectively. Calcium and P digestibilities were highest (P less than .01) in those horses fed the low P diets, but only horses fed forage-low P diets may have absorbed insufficient P. Serum...
Long-term follow-up of partial limb amputation in 13 horses. Thirteen cases of partial limb amputation in horses were reviewed. Nine horses (69%) survived 18 to 111 months (mean, 41 months). Four unsuccessfully treated horses were euthanatized within 21 days of surgery. The horses' ages at amputation were 4 to 13 years (mean, 7.3 years). There was no predilection for the left or right limb nor for fore or hind limb involvement. Osteomyelitis in six horses (46%) was the most common cause for amputation. Severe, open, comminuted fractures of the third metacarpal bone that were impossible to stabilize by any currently available technique in four horses (31...
Borreliosis in equids in northeastern United States. During 1982 and 1985, blood samples from 705 equids were examined for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. By indirect immunofluorescence staining, IgM and total immunoglobulin (IgM and IgG) antibodies were detected in 37 (5.3%) and 90 (12.8%) serum specimens, respectively. The geometric mean titer for IgM antibody (140.4) was highest during July, whereas total immunoglobulin ranged from 94.1 in October to 338 in May. Eighty-six equids with total immunoglobulin to B burgdorferi lived in areas of Connecticut where the primary tick vector, Ixodes dammini, was present. Of the 86 equids, 9 from Lym...
