Equine Fractures

Question 1

What is the key to stabilization of fractures?

Answer 1

Maintain the bones in a static position both aboth and below the fracture

Question 2

Which sedative is best for horses with suspected fractures and why?

Answer 2

Butorphanol is best as it will minimise ataxia.

Question 3

How should you position a horse for transport in a trailer? (forelimb vs hindlimb)

Answer 3

If a forelimb is injured, face the rear of the vehicle.
If the hindlimb is injured, face the fort to reduce bracin forses associated with rapid breaking.

Question 4

In the fore and hindlimbs, where does a zone 4 fracture occur?

Answer 4

Proximal to elbow
Proximal to stifle

Question 5

In the fore and hindlimbs, where does a zone 3 fracture occur?

Answer 5

Mid-proximal radius
Tarsus and tibia

Question 6

In the fore and hindlimbs, where does a zone 2 fracture occur?

Answer 6

Mid metacarpus to distal radius
Mid to proximal metatarsus

Question 7

In the fore and hindlimbs, where does a zone 1 fracture occur?

Answer 7

Distal metacarpus to floor
Distal metatarsus to floor

Question 8

List the equiment a vet should carry at all times as an emergency bandage kit

Answer 8

Conforming bandage
Cotton wool
Gauze bandages
Self-adherent bandages
Non-elastic tape
Splints
Kimzey splint

Question 9

List the two main risk factors for fractures in horses.

Answer 9

Traumatic isolated events
Repetitive events associated with exercise

Question 10

Describe 5 situational risk factors for equine fractures

Answer 10

Nation - less catastrophic fractures in the UK than in the USA
Distance - increasing risk in shorter races
Jumping - more fatal injuries in jump racing than on the flat
Surface - all weather surfaces carry greater risks than turf
Going - firmer is associated with increased risk.

Question 11

What are the most common fractures in jump racing vs flat racing vs all weather surface racing?

Answer 11

Jump racing - MC/MT condylar fractures are more prevalent
Flat racing - saggital or parasaggital P1 fracture
All weather surface racing - biaxial proximal sesamoid fractures

Question 12

Describe 5 horse level risks of fractures

Answer 12

Age of horse - risk after 6/7 years old
Number of starts - horses which raced a lot over 3-4 months but less in the last couple of months are at the greatest risk
Bonde density - the thicker the dense subchondral bone in the parasaggital groove, the increase likelihood of the future fracture
Medication - Increased hazard post intra-articular corticosteroid injection 7 weeks before receeding
Breeding - individual heriatbility is generally low for fractures