Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse suddenly lame after a fall - what could be wrong?
By Shoemaker, R S et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1991·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Disruption of the caudal component of the reciprocal apparatus in two horses.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two horses became suddenly lame after falling during intense exercise. They showed signs of lameness in the right back leg, with specific movements of the hock and stifle. X-rays revealed a fracture in one horse's femur, linked to muscle injuries. The treatment included rest, immobilizing the leg, and pain relief with phenylbutazone. One horse fully recovered, while the other worsened and had to be euthanized.
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Abstract
Two horses became acutely lame following a fall during strenuous exercise and were diagnosed as having disruption of the caudal component of the reciprocal apparatus. Clinical signs consisted of lameness of the right pelvic limb, characterized by flexion of the hock and simultaneous extension of the stifle. Radiography revealed an avulsion fracture from the supracondylar tuberosity and fossa of the distal portion of the femur in one horse. Clinical and radiographic findings indicated avulsion of the lateral origin of the gastrocnemius and superficial digital flexor muscles. Treatment consisted of stall rest, limb immobilization, and phenylbutazone administration. One horse recovered to soundness and the other deteriorated and was euthanatized.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1995567/