Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Propagation of a dorsal cortical fracture of the third metacarpal bone in two horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1988
- Authors:
- Spurlock, G H
- Affiliation:
- Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, two horses developed a worsening lameness after continuing to race, which led to a fracture in the upper part of a bone in their front legs called the third metacarpal bone. Both horses had previously shown signs of lameness that improved with pain relief medication and short breaks from work, but their condition got worse over time. X-rays showed that the fracture was getting worse, but it was not complete. Fortunately, both horses healed well after being kept in their stalls for rest.
Abstract
Seemingly, propagation of a dorsal cortical fracture in the third metacarpal bone developed after continued race performance in 2 horses. Historically, both horses had intermittent lameness that had responded to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and brief rest periods. However, lameness in both horses had increased in severity. Radiography revealed a dorsal cortical fracture of the third metacarpal bone, with propagation of the fracture plane proximally. Fractures were incomplete and healed with stall rest in both horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3410778/