Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Correcting leg bone angle in a 41-day-old Thoroughbred filly
By José Ademar Villanova Junior et al.·Published in Ciência Animal Brasileira·2023·Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil, BR
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Original publication title: Surgical Correction of Metatarsal Angular Deviation in a Thoroughbred Filly Using Wedge Metatarsal Ostectomy: a case report
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 41-day-old Thoroughbred filly was brought in for a severe angular deformity in her left hind leg, which was causing her to walk abnormally. The veterinarian performed a surgical procedure called wedge ostectomy to correct the angle, using an external fixator to stabilize the leg. After surgery, the filly received intensive care and was able to stand and walk without pain the very next day. Six months later, she had fully healed, and the fixator was removed, allowing her to move freely and run without any issues.
People also search for: Thoroughbred filly leg deformity treatment · angular limb deformity in foals · surgical correction for horse leg problems
Abstract
This study describes a corrective procedure for a metatarsal angular malformation using wedge ostectomy in a 41-day-old Thoroughbred filly. A 41.6 °angular malformation of the metatarsus was corrected with wedge ostectomy of the left hindlimb in association with a type II external fixator and methyl methacrylate resin. The animal was subjected to the surgical procedure under general anesthesia. The filly was placed in dorsal recumbency with the left hind limb free for manipulation. A bone saw was used for the wedge ostectomy, while the bars for external fixation were placed using a drill. A Kirschner pin and acrylic resin were then applied. Radiographic images obtained immediately after surgery confirmed a total malformation reduction of 32.6 (from 41.6° to 9°). With medication and a Robert Jones bandage, intensive postoperative care was instituted to ensure that the animal adapted properly to the linear external fixator without overloading the pins and connection bars. No postoperative complications were observed. On the day after surgery, the filly was standing and walking with no signs of pain. After 180 days, total osseous calcification was achieved, and the implants were removed during the second surgery. The filly demonstrated adequate locomotion, performed all the movements, and ran without any difficulty in the paddock. The remaining discrete angular deviations were partially corrected using hoof trimming. Keywords: Equine; foal; third metatarsus; angular limb deformity; ostectomy.
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