Treatment response and athletic outcome of foals with tarsal valgus deformities: 39 cases (1988-1997).

This research paper evaluates the effectiveness of various treatments and long-term outcomes of young horses (foals) inflicted with tarsal valgus deformities, a type of leg deformity. The study identifies that younger foals and those with less severe forms of bone ossification disorders are likely to respond better to treatments and consequently, have a better chance of performing as intended in athletic endeavors.

Study Methods and Foals Sample

• The study was conducted retrospectively, meaning that the researchers examined past data.
• The sample used for the study comprised 39 young horses, known as foals, that had tarsal valgus deformities.
• The data procured for the study included the foal’s background, past health history, reason for hospital admission, and clinical findings.
• With the help of radiographic imaging, the level of ossification or bone development of the tarsal bones was evaluated. This was done to classify them into three categories: normal, type-I incomplete ossification, or type-II incomplete ossification. This is crucial to determine the severity of the bone deformity.
• The type of treatment administered and the foal’s athletic performance post-treatment were documented.

Research Observations

• The radiographic analysis found that more than half of the foals had both tarsal valgus deformities and a level of incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones, meaning their bone development was not normal.
• Periosteal stripping, a type of treatment for these deformities, showed a favorable response in less than half of the foals treated with the technique. Furthermore, foals that were 60 days old or less showed significantly better results, indicating the effectiveness of the treatment at an early age.
• A different treatment method, growth plate retardation, produced favorable results in 5 out of 8 treated foals.
• Among the foals available for long-term follow-up, just over half were able to perform their intended athletic activities.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• The study emphasizes the need for radiographic examination of the tarsus in foals with tarsal valgus deformities. This can predict the athletic outcome based on the level of ossification.
• Foals with a type-II incomplete ossification, a more severe form of the disorder, did not respond well to periosteal stripping alone. Therefore, the study recommends employing growth plate retardation as the treatment method for these cases.
• Moreover, foals with normal or type-I incomplete ossification of tarsal bones, i.e., less severe ossification disorders, had a better chance to fulfill their intended athletic performance compared to those with type-II incomplete ossification.