Congenital musculosketal lesions and hyperplastic goitre in foals.
Abstract: Seven foals with multiple congenital musculoskeletal abnormalities are described. Rupture of common digital extensor tendons, forelimb contracture, and mandibular prognathism were common findings. Severe hyperplastic goitre was consistently present.
Publication Date: 1981-05-01 PubMed ID: 7248888PubMed Central: PMC1790030
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article focuses on the study of seven foals that exhibited various congenital musculoskeletal abnormalities and severe hyperplastic goitre.
Overview of the Study
- This article delves into a study involving seven foals that were observed to have multiple congenital musculoskeletal abnormalities. Congenital means these abnormalities were present from birth. Musculoskeletal refers to the body’s system that includes the bones, muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues.
- Examples of the abnormalities observed include the rupture of common digital extensor tendons, forelimb contracture, and mandibular prognathism. The digital extensor tendons are responsible for extending the digits (or fingers and toes, in humans), so a rupture in horses can lead to difficulty in movement. Forelimb contracture refers to a condition in which the horse’s limbs are overly flexed and cannot fully stretch out, thereby affecting mobility. Mandibular prognathism, on the other hand, is an alignment issue where the lower jaw (mandible) is extended out further than the upper jaw, affecting the horse’s appearance and potentially its ability to eat.
- Apart from musculoskeletal abnormalities, all seven foals also manifested a severe case of hyperplastic goitre. Hyperplastic goitre is a disease of the thyroid gland characterized by an abnormal enlargement due to the excessive growth of its cells (hyperplasia).
Significance of the Research
- This research is crucial as it sheds light on various congenital conditions that can affect foals, potentially impairing their growth and functionality.
- The consistent presence of hyperplastic goitre in all the foals observing musculoskeletal deformities might suggest a probable connection between these conditions, warranting further investigations.
- The findings from this study can be utilized to improve breeding practices to decrease the prevalence of such birth defects, potentially via genetic screening, adjusted breeding practices or enhanced prenatal care.
- It can further pave the way for the development of effective treatment strategies for foals affected by these conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
McLaughlin BG, Doige CE.
(1981).
Congenital musculosketal lesions and hyperplastic goitre in foals.
Can Vet J, 22(5), 130-133.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Diseases, Developmental / complications
- Bone Diseases, Developmental / pathology
- Bone Diseases, Developmental / veterinary
- Female
- Goiter / complications
- Goiter / pathology
- Goiter / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Hyperplasia / veterinary
- Male
- Muscular Diseases / complications
- Muscular Diseases / pathology
- Muscular Diseases / veterinary
References
This article includes 7 references
- Stevenson WL, Stevenson WG. Rupture of the Common Digital Extensor.. Can J Comp Med Vet Sci 1942 Jul;6(7):197-203.
- Baker HJ, Lindsey JR. Equine goiter due to excess dietary iodide.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1968 Dec 15;153(12):1618-30.
- Hopkins PS, Thorburn GD. The effects of foetal thyroidectomy on the development of the ovine foetus.. J Endocrinol 1972 Jul;54(1):55-66.
- Doige CE, McLaughlin BG. Hyperplastic goitre in newborn foals in Western Canada.. Can Vet J 1981 Feb;22(2):42-5.
- Bath GF, Wentzel D, van Tonder EM. Cretinism in Angora goats.. J S Afr Vet Assoc 1979 Dec;50(4):237-9.
- Irvine CH, Evans MJ. Postnatal changes in total and free thyroxine and triiodothyronine in foal serum.. J Reprod Fertil Suppl 1975 Oct;(23):709-15.
- Rooney JR. Contracted foals.. Cornell Vet 1966 Apr;56(2):172-87.
Citations
This article has been cited 11 times.- Ludwig EK, Hallowell K, Womble M, O'Neil E. Bilateral patellar aplasia in a foal. Vet Med Sci 2023 May;9(3):1143-1148.
- Swerczek TW. Tyzzer's disease in foals: retrospective studies from 1969 to 2010. Can Vet J 2013 Sep;54(9):876-80.
- Kreplin C, Allen A. Alberta. Congenital hypothyroidism in foals in Alberta. Can Vet J 1991 Dec;32(12):751.
- Wilson DG, Miyabayashi T, Schenkman DI. Multiple congenital skeletal deformities in an Arabian foal. Can Vet J 1990 Feb;31(2):113-5.
- McLaughlin BG, Doige CE, McLaughlin PS. Thyroid hormone levels in foals with congenital musculoskeletal lesions. Can Vet J 1986 Jul;27(7):264-7.
- McLaughlin BG, Doige CE. A study of ossification of carpal and tarsal bones in normal and hypothyroid foals. Can Vet J 1982 May;23(5):164-8.
- Allen AL, Townsend HG, Doige CE, Fretz PB. A case-control study of the congenital hypothyroidism and dysmaturity syndrome of foals. Can Vet J 1996 Jun;37(6):349-51; 354-8.
- Allen AL, Doige CE, Fretz PB, Townsend HG. Hyperplasia of the thyroid gland and concurrent musculoskeletal deformities in western Canadian foals: reexamination of a previously described syndrome. Can Vet J 1994 Jan;35(1):31-8.
- Allen AL. Hyperplasia of the thyroid gland and musculoskeletal deformities in two equine abortuses. Can Vet J 1995 Apr;36(4):234-6.
- Pasolini MP, Auletta L, De Biase D, Vaccaro E, Del Prete C, Montano C, de Chiara M, Di Napoli E, Paciello O, Piegari G. Clinical and Pathological Features of Flexural Deformities Associated with Myopathies in Foals. Vet Sci 2025 Jun 6;12(6).
- Olstad K, Ekman S, Björnsdóttir S, Fjordbakk CT, Hansson K, Sigurdsson SF, Ley CJ. Osteochondrosis in the central and third tarsal bones of young horses. Vet Pathol 2024 Jan;61(1):74-87.
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