Subluxation of the carpus in thirteen horses.

This research paper reviews medical records of 13 horses with subluxation, or partial dislocation, in various joints in the leg. Treatment usually involved immobilizing the leg with a plaster cast, though three horses were euthanized for various reasons and the rest were bred.

Review of Medical Records

• The researchers reviewed the medical records of 13 horses of various breeds that were diagnosed with subluxation.
• Subluxation, also known as partial dislocation, occurred at the radiocarpal, intercarpal, or carpometacarpal joint, or combinations of these joints in the horse’s leg.
• The most frequent location for subluxation was the carpometacarpal joint (10 out of the 13 cases).
• The review of records also showed concomitant fractures of individual carpal bones, or metacarpus II and IV, in 12 out of the 13 horses.

Treatment and Outcomes

• The standard treatment undertaken was immobilization in a full leg plaster cast.
• The duration of the immobilization varied from four to 18 weeks, depending on the severity of the subluxation and any associated fractures.
• Out of the 13 horses, three were euthanized during the study.
• Two of the euthanized horses were due to complications arising from the plaster cast immobilization, while the third was euthanized following a request by the owner.
• The remaining ten horses survived the treatment and were saved as breeding animals. Their ability to function in other capacities was not specified in the study.

Significance of the Study

• This study provides valuable information on the prevalence of subluxation in various leg joints of the horse.
• It offers insight into the common complications that may arise during the treatment of subluxation, such as fractures of the carpal bones or metacarpus II and IV.
• The study highlights the potential consequences of subluxation and its treatment, such as euthanasia or the horse being limited to breeding functions only.