Midsagittal intraarticular fracture of the third phalanx in a colt.

The study dealt with a case of a 6-month-old Quarter Horse colt suffering from prolonged lameness in its left foreleg. The condition was successfully treated with an eggbar shoe with two quarter clips and stall rest for ten weeks.

Case Background

• The case in focus is about a 6-month-old Quarter Horse colt. The colt was suffering from severe lameness in its left foreleg which lasted for 6 weeks. Accompanying symptoms were swelling of the distal interphalangeal joint and a smaller-than-normal left front foot.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis was confirmed using radiographs. The radiographic imaging revealed a non-displaced, midsagittal, intraarticular fracture of P3, that is, the third phalanx. The third phalanx, also known as the coffin bone, is a critical bone in the horse’s foot, and its damage could cause serious problems like prolonged lameness as experienced by the colt.

Treatment

• The treatment approach involved fitting the colt’s foot with an orthopedic device known as an eggbar shoe with two quarter clips. An eggbar shoe is a specialized horseshoe that extends beyond the back of the hoof, thus aiding in weight distribution and balance. The quarter clips would add strength and support to the shoe.
• Along with the eggbar shoe, the treatment regimen included stall rest for ten weeks. Stall rest would limit the movements of the colt, allowing for the healing of the fracture without the stress of standing or walking.

Outcome

• After the ten-week treatment period, the Quarter Horse colt was sound, indicating that the treatment and rest had helped recover the broken bone and alleviated the lameness.