Routine Orthopedic Evaluation in Foals.

In order to recognize abnormalities on the physical evaluation, it is mandatory to understand normal developmental variations of the musculoskeletal system. Many abnormalities are self-limiting and, therefore, it is important to recognize which problems require intervention for a successful outcome and which may be complicated by treatment. The importance of a complete and thorough physical evaluation cannot be overemphasized and is the most productive diagnostic tool for recognizing most abnormalities of the skeletal system whether as a component of an after-foaling examination or for lameness or conformation evaluation in foals of all ages.

Improvement in Bilateral Carpal Valgus Deviation in 9 Foals After Unilateral Distolateral Radial Periosteal Transection and Elevation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of periosteal transection and elevation in foals with naturally occurring carpal valgus deviation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Foals (n = 9) with bilateral carpal valgus. METHODS: Foals with bilateral carpal valgus had distolateral radial periosteal transection and elevation (PE) including distal ulnar transection on 1 limb. Foals were stall confined until the skin incisions healed, and then allowed free exercise in a small paddock or round pen. Dorsopalmar carpal radiographs were obtained at 14 day intervals to determine the carpal valgus angle (CVA) until it was <5°. RESULTS: All limbs had a reduction in CVA and there was no significant difference in total carpal valgus angular correction or the rate at which the correction occurred between the surgical and control limb. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral distolateral radial PE had no effect on carpal angulation in 9 foals with naturally occurring bilateral carpal valgus deviation when performed between 19 and 43 days.

Racing and sales performance after unilateral or bilateral single transphyseal screw insertion for varus angular limb deformities of the carpus in 53 thoroughbreds.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the racing and sales performance of Thoroughbred horses with varus angular limb deformities of the carpus treated by unilateral or bilateral single transphyseal screw (STS) placement. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Thoroughbred horses (n=53). METHODS: Medical records (January 1, 2005-December 31, 2006) of yearling Thoroughbreds treated for carpal angular limb deformity by transphyseal screw insertion in the distal aspect of the radius were reviewed. Retrieved data were sex, surgery, and screw removal dates, surgical site, appearance, limb(s) affected, type of angular limb deformity, and degree of angular deviation measured by a goniometer. Racing and sales data were collected for analysis from an online racing site for all treated horses and their maternal siblings. RESULTS: No significant differences were identified between treated horses and their maternal siblings in yearling sale price, 2-year-olds in training sale price, percent starters, percent winners, and starts, earnings, and earnings/start made during the 2- and 3-year old years. CONCLUSIONS: No deleterious effects on sales or racing performance were identified after use of STS in the distal aspect of the radius of Thoroughbreds for the treatment of varus angular limb deformities of the carpus.

Reevaluation of the effect of phenylephrine on resolution of nephrosplenic entrapment by the rolling procedure in 87 horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome in horses treated with a rolling technique or surgically for nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon (NSE) and to examine the benefit of phenylephrine (PE) HCl on the efficacy of nonsurgical (rolling) management of NSE. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n = 211) diagnosed with NSE by rectal palpation with or without ultrasonography, or at the time of exploratory celiotomy or necropsy. METHODS: Medical records (January 1, 2001-September 1, 2008) were collected from horses diagnosed with NSE at 2 referral centers. Records were used to obtain signalment, physical exam findings, laboratory results, ultrasonographic findings, the use of PE HCl, the specific treatment used, and outcome. Rectal findings indicative of NSE were: (1) palpation of large colon within the nephrosplenic space or (2) palpation of colonic bands coursing dorsally toward the nephrosplenic space in association with ultrasonographic findings suggestive of NSE. RESULTS: Rolling was successful in 50 of 87 (58%) horses, 85 horses (98%) survived to discharge. Horses (n = 155) that were treated surgically (42 of which had previously undergone the rolling procedure) had a 94% short-term survival rate. Premedication with PE resulted in no significant difference (P = .91) in resolution of NSE by rolling. CONCLUSIONS: Resolution of NSE by rolling was not significantly affected by premedication with PE in the population studied.