Foal orthopaedics Flashcards
Give examples of developmental orthopaedic disorders (DOD) in foals
Angular limb deformities
Flexural limb deformities
Physitis
Osteochondrosis
What is physitis?
Inflammation of growth plates
Give examples of orthopaedic infections foals get
Synovial sepsis
Synovial physitis
Are angular limb deformities (ALD) congenital or acquired?
Can be either
Congenital = pregnancy problems, premature, dysmature
Acquired = e.g., nutrition problems, genetics (rapid growth), trauma
What are valgus and varus?
Angular limb deformities
Valgus = lateral deviation
Varus = medial deviation
What are the possible origins of angular limb deformities (where in anatomy can they occur)?
Bone - physio, epiphysis, cuboidal bones, (diaphysis - rare)
Soft tissue laxity
How can you tell the difference between bone and soft tissue angular limb deformities?
If can straighten manually = soft tissue (peri-articular laxity)
If can’t straighten manually = bone
How are angular limb deformities diagnosed on radiography?
Presence of plumb lines
Why is incomplete ossification a problem in equine neonates?
High risk of crushing injury to cuboidal bones
How is incomplete ossification diagnosed?
Radiography
Radiolucent bones
How is incomplete ossification of carpal bones treated?
Restricted exercise
Bandage with splint (digit not within the splint)
Balanced nutrition
Repeat radiographs every 2 wks
How is peri-articular laxity treated in foals?
Controlled exercise to strengthen peri-articular tissues
What are the potential causes of acquired angular ligament deformities?
Imbalanced nutrition - excess energy (grain, conc), mineral imbalances
Genetics - rapid growth
Trauma to growth cartilage
What are the treatment options for angular limb deformities?
Conservative - limited exercise, bandages, splints, corrective hoof trimming, limit mare/foal nutrition
Surgery
What surgery can be used to treat angular limb deformities?
Growth acceleration/retardation
Osteotomy
Ostectomy
Hoof balance is one potential treatment for mild angular limb deformities. How often should it be done?
Every 2 -3 weeks
Avoid drastic changes (lead to joint problems)
(Can be used for severe cases alongside surgery)
What can be done in surgery to stimulate growth in ALD?
Elevate periosteum (On concave side) Do not over correct Perform early during rapid growth Remove implants once straightened
How can surgery be used to retard growth in ALD?
Bridge the physis (On convex side) For moderate/severe cases Do not overcorrect Remove implants once straightened
What is the prognosis for ALD in foals?
Good if early treatment, and affecting physis/epiphysis
Fair to poor if diaphysial, crushed cuboidal bones, severe angulation, severe DJD
Digital hypertension in neonates is due to tendon laxity. How is it treated?
Controlled exercise - e.g. swimming corrects within 1-2 weeks
If severe protect heel bulbs!
Avoid bandages if possible - no splints!
Conservative treatment for flexural limb deformities includes…
Splints (cast)
Analgesia! Care with GI ulcers and kidneys
Oxytetracycline - relaxes soft tissue
Lower heel with farriery
Surgical treatment for flexural limb deformities includes…
Desmotomy
may require AL-SDFT and AL-DDFT desmotomy if severe
Should splints be used for angular limb deformities?
NOT for laxities (exercise only)
Can be used for flexural limb deformities
What are the 3 routes for septic arthritis? Which is most common in foals?
Haematogenous (most common in foals)
Traumatic
Iatrogenic
One of the clinical signs for septic arthritis in foals is the filling of mares udder. Why?
Foal can’t drink as reluctant to move
A foal has swollen joints and you suspect haematogenous septic arthritis. What part of the body is essential to ultrasound?
Umbilicus
Omphalophlebitis
How does septic physitis appear on radiography?
Irregular/widened physics
Radiolucency
Soft tissue swelling
What type of gram bacteria are most common in septic joints of foals?
Gram negative
How is septic arthritis in foals treated?
Treat underlying cause
Lavage synovial structures
Antimicrobial therapy
NSAIDs?
The prognosis for septic arthritis is better if….
The foal is systemically well
Single joint
Treatment is rapid
No bony involvement
What causes bone centred angular limb deformities?
Disparity in growth plates across physis
What causes joint centred angular limb deformities?
Pre-mature horses
Peri-articular laxity
What is the consequence of an untreated carpal valgus?
Can lead to fetlock varus
