Luxation of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in horses.

The research study deals with the occurrence and treatment of dislocation in the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal (‘fetlock’) joints of horses. It finds that both closed (without a break in the skin) and open (break in the skin) luxations can be effectively treated, allowing the horses to get back to breeding status.

Methodology and Findings

• The study based its findings on the examination and treatment of 10 horses that suffered from either lateral or medial luxation of the fetlock joint. Both open and closed types of luxation were found in five horses each.
• For treatment, they used cast immobilisation after cleaning the soft tissues and flushing out the joint debris (debridement and joint lavage) in the case of open luxations.
• In three instances, the researchers tried to bring together the ends of a ruptured collateral ligament using sutures.

Treatment Approach

• All the cases of open luxation were treated with antibiotics given the potential risk of infection. However, the usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication varied across cases.
• The researchers concluded that the prognosis for the return to breeding status following luxations, whether closed or open, was promising. This was seen from the fact that seven out of the ten horses were able to breed after treatment.

Outcome of the Study

• Post treatment, one horse was ridden for nine years.
• Unfortunately, one horse remained lame and had to be euthanised.
• Finally, one horse was lost to follow-up, making it difficult to conclusively comment on the success of the treatment in its case.