Equine Talocalcaneal subluxation.

This research investigated a condition called equine talocalcaneal subluxation (a misalignment of bones in a horse’s ankle) in a Quarter horse filly and her colt. After attempting various treatments and finding no satisfactory solutions, the decision was made to euthanize the filly. Later, the same condition was discovered in the sibling colt, despite no clinical or trauma history.

Research Background and Procedure

• The research started when a Quarter horse filly came in for treatment of a two-week-old wound on her right hind leg caused by the mare (mother horse) stepping on her. Upon examining radiographs, sequestrum (dead bone tissue) was observed and surgically removed.
• During the follow-up process, the filly developed a varus deformity (inward angulation of a bone or joint) in her left hind leg, which was corrected surgically via a lateral transphyseal screw in the distal information left tibia (lower leg bone).
• Following the varus deformity correction, a lateromedial (taken from the side) radiograph was performed on the filly’s left tibia and tarsus (ankle). The image revealed a condition called talocalcaneal subluxation, a misalignment of bones in the horse’s ankle.
• The same radiographic view was employed on the right tarsus and the same deformity was observed.

Lack of Treatment Options and Outcomes

• The researchers discovered that there were no case reports available on this condition that provided information on effective treatment methods or surgical correction. As a result, they elected to euthanize the filly for humane reasons.
• Months later, the same owner conveyed a two-month-old colt (the filly’s sibling) to the hospital for an elective procedure. Given the owner’s previous experience, tarsal radiographs were taken despite the absence of any clinical signs or incidents of trauma.
• The radiographs of the colt revealed talocalcaneal subluxation in its right tarsus, the same condition that had afflicted its sibling.