Flexural deformities in foals Flashcards
what plane do flexural limb deformities occur in
sagittal plane
how are flexural limb deformities best assesses
by viewing from the side
flexural limb defomrities are more common in …….
forelimbs
what are the 2 types of flexural limb deformitiy
Hyperextension (laxity)
hyperflexion (contracture)
what joints are generally affected by congenital hyperextension
usually distal limb- fetlock and phalangeal joints
What is the appearance of hyperextension
Toe is elevated and palmar/plantar fetlock is sunken.
What causes congenital hyperextension
Flaccidity of flexor muscles after birth
Describe the treatment for congenital hyperextension
Self corrects in few weeks, bandages to protect skin, glue on heel extension shoes
What joints commonly get congenital hyperflexion in foals
Coffin, pastern, fetlock, carpal or tarsal joints
What can congenital hyperflexion cause
dystocia
foal can’t stand
Descibe the medical treatment of congenital hyperflexion
Light exercise
oxytet in saline IV
toe extensions and heel reduction
NSAIDs and omeprazole
splits/casts
why d o we give oxytet to foals with congenital hyperflexion
inhibits tractional structuring of collagen fibrils
so tendons & ligaments more susceptible to elongation during normal weight bearing.
Why is important to give omeprazole with NSAIDs in foals
Risk of gastric ulcers with NSAIDs
when would you use surgical treatment of congenital hyperflexion
If medical treatments fail - rarely required
what causes acquired hyperflexion
Pain cause flexion withdrawal reflex and subsequent muscle contraction:
- Rapid bone growth with tendons unable to keep up
- specific injury (septic arthritis, fracture, foot abscess)
what is ‘club foot’
acquired coffin joint contracture
when does club foot generally occur
1-4 months old
Describe stage 1 club foot
dorsal hoof wall has not past vertical – good prognosis
Describe stage 2 club foot
dorsal hoof wall has progressed past vertical – guarded prognosis
What are the treatments for acquired coffin joint contracture (club foot)?
Toe extensions and heel reduction
NSAIDs and omeprazole
reduce nutrition to reduce growth
How do toe extension and heel reduction help with coffin joint contracture?
Stretches DDFT during weight bearing
What is the surgical treatment for stage 1 club foot?
Desmotomy of accessory check ligament of DDFT
What is the surgical treatment is available for stage 2 club foot?
Tenotomy of DDFT
What causes acquired fetlock joint contracture in 10-18 month old horses?
Radius/tibia growing rapidly, functional shortening of SDFT and suspensory ligament
