Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
A phalangeal fusion defect and osteochondrosis dissecans with subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joints in a foal.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1990
- Authors:
- Riley, C B et al.
- Affiliation:
- School of Veterinary Studies · Australia
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A Standardbred filly developed several serious issues with her legs shortly after birth. At just one week old, she started limping on her left front leg, and by five weeks, all four legs were affected. X-rays showed that the joints in her front legs were misaligned and had damage to the bone beneath the cartilage, while her back legs had a fusion (joining together) of some bones and misalignment in the joints. Unfortunately, the foal was euthanized due to the severity of her condition, and a post-mortem examination confirmed significant damage to the cartilage and bones in her legs.
Abstract
A fusion defect of the proximal and middle phalanges of both hindlimbs, osteochondrosis dissecans of the distal interphalangeal joints of the forelimbs, and subluxation of all 4 distal interphalangeal joints occurred in a Standardbred filly. Lameness was the first abnormality noted and was observed at one week of age in the left forelimb and progressed until all 4 limbs were affected by 5 weeks of age. On radiographs of both forelimbs, the distal interphalangeal joints were subluxated with irregularity and lucency of subchondral bone. On radiographs of the distal hindlimbs, there was a subluxation of both distal interphalangeal joints and loss of the proximal interphalangeal joint spaces with fusion of the proximal and middle phalanges. The foal was euthanised. On necropsy, there were focal areas of erosion of articular cartilage in the distal interphalangeal joint of both forelimbs. The proximal and middle phalanges of both hindlimbs were fused. Histopathological examination of the distal interphalangeal joint of the right foreleg showed loss of articular cartilage and degenerative changes in the exposed subchondral bone.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2264805/