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

Abstract

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&#x2009;=&#x2009;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&#xb0;. 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.