Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fractures of the pedal bone in the horse.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1976
- Authors:
- Pettersson, H
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at 79 cases of fractures in the pedal bone (the bone in a horse's foot) across different types of horses. The fractures were categorized into three types: those affecting the joint, those not affecting the joint, and fractures of a specific part called the extensor process. Most younger horses with non-joint fractures responded well to conservative treatment, while older horses often needed surgery for better results. Although most extensor process fractures were treated without surgery, there was a risk of developing arthritis in the joint later on. Overall, the treatment was mostly effective, but outcomes varied depending on the type of fracture and the age of the horse.
Abstract
A series of 79 fractures of the pedal bone in various types of horses are reported and the clinical features described. The fractures were of 3 types--intra-articular or extra-articular, involving the wing of the pedal bone, and fractures of the extensor process. Forty-five horses with a fractured wing of the pedal bone were treated conservatively and 11 by immobilisation of the bony fragment with a compression screw. Conservative treatment was usually successful in the extra-articular fractures. Intra-articular fractures treated conservatively in animals under 3 years had a good prognosis. The results were not so satisfactory in older horses and surgical treatment proved to be the method of choice. All, but one, of the 23 fractures of the extensor process were treated conservatively. The prognosis was not always good, as secondary osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal joint sometimes developed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/954718/