Rupture of collateral ligaments in metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in horses: 17 cases (1999–2005).

The study focuses on characterizing ruptures in collateral ligaments (CLs) of horses, specifically in the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. It discusses methods of diagnosis, treatment plans and outcomes indicating that with conservative management, horses could potentially have a better prognosis for athletic use than previously believed.

Research Methods

The researchers employed several methods for this study:

• They used a retrospective case series comprising of 17 horses with ruptured CLs.
• They took data from medical records including details about the horse, history, clinical signs, ultrasonographic and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome.
• Additional follow-up information was sought from owners or referring veterinarians to provide more context to the cases.

Findings

Several findings were recorded during the study:

• It was found that lateral CL was ruptured in 11 horses while the medial CL was ruptured in 6 horses.
• In the ultrasonography, some horses had ruptures of both the short and long components of the CL while others had a rupture of only one component.
• Joint instability was palpable in certain horses and some even had episodes of joint luxation.
• Avulsion fractures were detected radiographically and ultrasonograhically in some horses.
• Surprisingly, no biaxial ruptures were detected, but desmitis (inflammation of a ligament) of the CL was observed on the non-ruptured side of the affected joint in certain horses.

Treatment and Outcomes

The horses were managed through:

• Stall confinement, limb immobilization, and a gradual return to exercise.
• Among the horses studied, 8 returned to riding, 2 resumed breeding, 2 were retired, 2 were euthanized, and 3 were doing well 86 to 139 days post-injury.

Conclusions

The research concluded that:

• Ultrasonographic examination is recommended in horses with acute lameness and swelling at the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint, especially if stress radiography cannot be performed or if the findings are equivocal.
• Affected horses may be managed conservatively.
• Prognosis for athletic use may be better than originally believed.