Pancarpal arthrodesis for treatment of carpal collapse in the adult horse. A report of two cases.

This research examines the use of pancarpal arthrodesis, a surgical procedure, in treating two adult horses suffering from multiple carpal bone fractures and other joint issues. The article notes the procedure was successful, enabling the horses to walk without pain after recovery.

Introduction and Case Summary

• The study looks at two cases involving adult mares that suffered from multiple carpal bone fractures, malarticulation, and degenerative joint disease.
• The condition resulted in significant pain and difficulty in the horses’ movements, necessitating a surgical intervention known as pancarpal arthrodesis.

Pancarpal Arthrodesis Procedure

• The procedure involves the fusion of the antebrachiocarpal, middle carpal, and carpometacarpal joints.
• This fusion is achieved by removing the articular cartilage, inserting an autogenous cancellous bone graft, and applying double dynamic compression plating.
• In one of the horses, a wedge ostectomy was performed to correct a severe acquired angular limb deformity.
• Post-surgery, external coaptation was utilized to supplement the internal fixation, aiding in stabilization and healing.

Postoperative Complications and Results

• The complications encountered after the operation were minimal, only involving cast sores.
• Although the sores took a considerable amount of time to heal in one horse, they eventually healed successfully.
• Both the mares adapted well to the arthrodesis, which rendered their joints similar to a ‘peg leg’ condition.
• By three months post-operation, both horses were able to walk without pain.
• The first horse survived for at least two and a half years following the surgery. Despite the previous surgical intervention, she successfully gave birth to a foal.
• Plans for the recently treated mare include breeding her in the upcoming year.

Conclusion

• The study exhibits the successful application of unilateral pancarpal arthrodesis in treating carpal collapse in adult horses.
• Through tracking the postoperative progress and the horses’ ability to function without pain, the researchers demonstrate the procedure’s efficacy and potential for broader application.