Fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones in thoroughbred foals.
Abstract: Eighteen cases of fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones in Thoroughbred foals are described. Most of the fractures were in foals under 2 months old and all but one occurred in the forelegs. The bones commonly fractured when the foal galloped to exhaustion trying to keep up with its dam in the paddock. The types of fracture varied but a simple fracture of the medial sesamoid was most frequent and the majority were towards the base of the bone. Six foals sustained a fracture of more than one sesamoid bone and one foal fractured all 4 proximal sesamoid bones in its front legs. Treatment included box rest and the surgical removal of the separated piece of sesamoid bone. Only 3 of the foals treated have raced. One of these was treated surgically.
Publication Date: 1979-01-01 PubMed ID: 428364DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1979.tb01297.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study examines and describes 18 cases of fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones in Thoroughbred foals, their causes, types, severity, and treatment outcomes.
Overview of the Cases
- The researchers analyzed 18 cases of fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones in Thoroughbred foals. Sesamoid bones are small bones found in the forelegs of many mammals.
- Most of the fractures occurred in foals less than 2 months old and almost all fractures occurred in the forelegs, not the hind legs. This could imply that the forelegs, being in the front and taking the brunt of the animal’s weight, are more prone to injury.
- The most frequent cause of these fractures was exhaustion from galloping, as the foals tried to keep up with their mothers in the paddock.
Types and Severity of Fractures
- The fractures varied in type and location, but a simple fracture of the medial sesamoid (the innermost of the two sesamoid bones in the forelegs) was the most common.
- Most fractures were located towards the base of the bone, which implies that this area might be more susceptible due to its function in the animal’s locomotion or its anatomical structure.
- Some foals exhibited more severe fractures, with six of them sustaining fractures of more than one sesamoid bone at once. One of them even fractured all four proximal sesamoid bones in its front legs.
Treatment and Outcome
- The main treatment methods for these fractures were box rest (meaning the foals were kept in a confined space to let the injury heal) and surgical removal of the separated piece of sesamoid bone.
- Despite the treatments, only three of the treated foals were able to race in the future. This shows that such fractures can have serious consequences for the animal’s performance and career.
- One of the treated foals had undergone surgery, which indicates that surgical intervention might lead to better outcomes, but also highlights the gravity and complexity of the injury when surgery is needed.
Cite This Article
APA
Ellis DR.
(1979).
Fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones in thoroughbred foals.
Equine Vet J, 11(1), 48-52.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1979.tb01297.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Forelimb
- Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Male
- Radiography
- Sesamoid Bones / injuries
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Sato F, Endo Y, Horiuchi N, Tominari M, Murase H, Ishimaru M, Korosue K. Histopathological findings of apical fracture of the proximal sesamoid bones in young Thoroughbred foals. J Equine Sci 2017;28(3):123-126.
- Kotoyori Y, Endo Y, Murase H, Sato F, Korosue K. Changes in aspects of hoof and distal limb conformation in foals by radiographic evaluation. J Vet Med Sci 2024 Apr 10;86(4):421-427.
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