Thoracic trauma in newborn foals.
Abstract: In a report describing life ending fractures (255 horses) from the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, Kentucky (1993 and 1994), 32 foals had rib fractures. The purpose of our study was to examine the incidence of rib fractures in newborn foals on a Thoroughbred studfarm by physical and radiographic examination, to determine factors which may contribute to the problem and to document any clinical consequences. All foals (263) included were examined within 3 days of birth. The thoracic cage was palpated externally for abnormalities and all foals were placed in dorsal recumbency to evaluate thoracic cage symmetry. Radiographs were used to diagnose foals with thoracic cage asymmetry (TCA) and rib fracture (RF). A diagnosis of costochondral dislocation (CD) was made when no radiographic evidence of fracture was present but there was severe TCA. Fifty-five foals (20.1%) had TCA (9 RF). One to 5 ribs were fractured on 9 of 40 radiographic studies. No consequences of the thoracic trauma was detected clinically, radiographically or ultrasonographically in this group of foals or at a 2- and 4-week follow-up examination. The percentage of foals with a history of abnormal parturition was higher in the TCA foals (15%) compared to the normal foals (6.8%). There were more primiparous dams in the TCA group than in the normal foal group. Fillies (56.6%) had a higher incidence of birth trauma than colts (43.4%). This study demonstrates that thoracic trauma is often present in newborn foals and may not always be of clinical significance. Dystocia foals and foals from primiparous mares should be considered high risk for thoracic trauma.
Publication Date: 1999-04-23 PubMed ID: 10213427DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03808.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The study examines the occurrence of rib fractures in newborn foals at a Thoroughbred stud farm, their potential causes, and any subsequent clinical effects. It found that thoracic trauma, such as rib fractures, is common in newborn foals but doesn’t always lead to significant clinical problems.
Methodology
- The study examined all foals (263 in total) within three days of birth. This ensured any fractures or abnormalities were recent and most likely related to the birthing process.
- Physical and radiographic examinations were conducted to identify thoracic cage abnormalities and rib fractures. The foals were placed in a specific position, dorsal recumbency, which aids in the visualisation of the thoracic cage symmetry.
- Radiographs were used to definitively diagnose foals with thoracic cage asymmetry and rib fractures. In cases with severe asymmetry but no visual fracture on the radiograph, a diagnosis of costochondral dislocation was made.
Findings
- 55 foals (20.1% of the total) were found to have thoracic cage asymmetry, nine of which had rib fractures. These fractures varied from one to five ribs fractured.
- No evidence of further clinical, radiographic or ultrasonographic consequences from the rib fractures or thoracic trauma was found in the initial examination or the follow-up examinations conducted two and four weeks later.
Potential Risk Factors
- The study found a higher percentage of foals with thoracic cage asymmetry had a history of abnormal parturition, suggesting difficulties during birth could lead to an increased risk of thoracic trauma.
- There was also a higher proportion of primiparous dams (mothers with their first foal) in the group of foals with thoracic cage asymmetry than the normal foal group, suggesting first time mothers may be more likely to have foals with thoracic trauma.
- The data showed fillies (female foals) had a higher incidence of birth trauma than colts (male foals), although the reasons for this weren’t explored in the study.
Conclusion
- The study concluded that thoracic trauma, particularly rib fractures, is fairly common in newborn foals, but doesn’t typically lead to further clinical problems.
- It highlighted that foals experiencing difficult births or born to first time mothers should be considered at higher risk of thoracic trauma.
Cite This Article
APA
Jean D, Laverty S, Halley J, Hannigan D, Léveillé R.
(1999).
Thoracic trauma in newborn foals.
Equine Vet J, 31(2), 149-152.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03808.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Département des Sciences Cliniques Vétérinaires, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Birth Injuries / epidemiology
- Birth Injuries / etiology
- Birth Injuries / veterinary
- Female
- Horses / injuries
- Ireland / epidemiology
- Male
- Pregnancy
- Prevalence
- Rib Fractures / epidemiology
- Rib Fractures / etiology
- Rib Fractures / veterinary
- Risk Factors
- Thoracic Injuries / epidemiology
- Thoracic Injuries / etiology
- Thoracic Injuries / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 8 times.- Ishiyama D, Makino E, Nakamura Y, Uchida M, Shimizu H, Ono M, Horikita T. Perinatal rib fractures in 18 calves delivered from Holstein dams.. Vet Anim Sci 2020 Dec;10:100134.
- Arencibia A, Corbera JA, Ramírez G, Díaz-Bertrana ML, Pitti L, Morales M, Jaber JR. Anatomical Assessment of the Thorax in the Neonatal Foal Using Computed Tomography Angiography, Sectional Anatomy, and Gross Dissections.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jun 17;10(6).
- Vermedal H, Arroyo LG, McKenzie C, Baird JD. Multiple imaging modalities for the diagnosis of tracheal collapse in a calf: A case report.. Can Vet J 2019 Oct;60(10):1111-1114.
- Williams TB, Williams JM, Rodgerson DH. Internal fixation of fractured ribs in neonatal foals with nylon cable tie using a modified technique.. Can Vet J 2017 Jun;58(6):579-581.
- Kolus CR, MacLeay JM, Hackett ES. Repair of an acquired diaphragmatic hernia with surgical mesh in a foal.. Can Vet J 2017 Feb;58(2):145-148.
- Sprayberry KA. Ultrasonographic Examination of the Equine Neonate: Thorax and Abdomen.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2015 Dec;31(3):515-43.
- Cesarini C, Macieira S, Girard C, Drolet R, d'Anjou MA, Jean D. Costochondral junction osteomyelitis in 3 septic foals.. Can Vet J 2011 Jul;52(7):772-7.
- Downs C, Rodgerson D. The use of nylon cable ties to repair rib fractures in neonatal foals.. Can Vet J 2011 Mar;52(3):307-9.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
