Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complete ulnas and fibulas in a pony foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1985
- Authors:
- Shamis, L D & Auer, J
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 10-month-old Welsh Pony was examined because it had severe bending in its legs, which is known as flexural deformity, along with other leg issues. During the examination, the pony was found to have complete ulnas and fibulas, which are bones that usually don't fully develop in ponies. This condition is considered a rare throwback to earlier ancestors. A surgical procedure was done when the pony was just a week old to try to correct the leg bending, but it did not help. The authors suggest that if these extra bones are present, they should be removed during surgery to improve the chances of a better outcome.
Abstract
Complete ulnas and fibulas were found in a 10-month-old Welsh Pony examined because of severe flexural deformity, with carpal and tarsal valgus deformities, in all limbs. Presence of these normally vestigial structures is considered a form of atavism. At one week of age, periosteal transection was performed for the angular deformity, resulting in no improvement. When performing this procedure, the authors recommend transection of these vestigial structures if present.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3997641/