Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgery to fix ligament mineralization causing lameness in ponies
By Garvican, Elaine R et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2016·Department of Clinical Science and Services, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Mineralization of the Equine Palmar/Plantar Annular Ligament Treated by Surgical Resection.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A group of ponies with lameness caused by mineralization of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (a ligament in the leg) were treated with surgery after struggling with pain for 5 weeks to 6 months. The ponies showed varying degrees of lameness, and some experienced significant pain when pressure was applied to the affected area. After surgery, 6 out of the 7 ponies were able to move comfortably again, indicating that surgical treatment can be effective when other methods don't work.
People also search for: pony lameness treatment · equine ligament surgery · mineralization of annular ligament in ponies
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of mineralization of the equine palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Ponies (n=7). METHODS: Case records from 2 referral hospitals were examined to identify cases with lameness associated with PAL mineralization treated surgically. Follow-up information was obtained from the owners by telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: Duration of lameness before referral ranged from 5 weeks to 6 months, and degree of lameness from grade 1 to 5 out of 10. In 3 cases, records noted obvious pain when pressure was applied over the PAL. Pain resulting in lameness was localized to this area and all cases were treated surgically, although the extent of resected tissue varied among cases. Histological examination of resected tissue (4 cases) revealed fibrocartilaginous and/or osseous metaplasia. Following surgery, 6 of the 7 ponies became sound. CONCLUSION: Based on this limited case series, surgical treatment for mineralization of the PAL offers a favorable success rate without severe complications where conservative methods have failed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27357271/