Angular limb deformities Flashcards
what is the signallment of ALD
young, rapidly growing foals (colts)
what is the worst
fetlock varus (any varus is bad)
what is the most common ALD
carpal valgus
why do we have to address the tarsus first instead of the carpus
the tarsus growth plate stops growing at 3 months
what are the two ALDs
ligament joint laxity and incomplete endochondral ossifications
what does joint laxity look like
wind swept, SC do not worry about ALD
what does incomplete ossification look like on radiographs
the bones in the joint look round when they should look square
what can incomplete ossification look like in the horse
sickle hocks
cause of acquired ALD when not lame
genetic and nutritional
what degree of angulation is considered mild vs severe
mild: <5
severe: >15
in the carpus, what is protective for carpal injury
mild valgus may be protective
how do we determine if it is the carpal bones or the physis
look at radiographs for the pivot point
physis vs carpal bones. which can we fix and which can we just protect
we can fix the physis but we cant fix the carpal bones
what is the key to any ALD treatment
do it as early as possible before growth plates close
treatment for joint laxity
exercise, brace if very severe