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Angular or flexural limb deformities (ALD) are not uncommon in foals. With a flexural limb deformity, tendons oſten appear ‘ contracted’, while with an angular limb deformity, the limb deviates towards or away from the midline. Flexural limb deformities are oſten congenital (present from birth) but can also develop secondary to pain in older foals. Angular limb deformities can arise from a difference in growth rate across the growth plate (an area of cartilage responsible for bone lengthening) adjacent to the affected joint, loose soſt tissues surrounding a joint, poor calcification or bending of the cannon bone.


Treatment: many foals will be born with mild cases of ALD, which will self-correct with a few weeks of controlled exercise; however, some will need further input. The timeframe in which you can treat the deformity depends on which joint is affected: fetlocks need to be corrected as soon as possible as most growth occurs within the first two months, whereas with hocks and knees you have until 4 and 6 months of age respectively. X-rays can be taken to help determine the exact angle of deviation, which will then help determine the best method of treatment. Milder deformities can be treated with corrective farriery such as trimming and glue-on shoes/extensions, whereas more severe deformities, or those leſt until a later age, may require surgical correction. Surgery consists of either periosteal stripping (which promotes growth on one side of the plate) or transphyseal bridging (which limits growth across the growth plate on the faster-growing side of the limb).


Similarly, with mild flexural limb deformities, many will self-correct with pain relief and restricted exercise. Splints and casts may be used to stretch the tendons but need careful monitoring to prevent sores. A high dose of the antibiotic oxytetracycline can be used as it also inhibits muscle contracture and therefore promotes relaxation of the tendons. In very severe cases, some of the flexor tendons may need to be sectioned to allow the joint to straighten.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Charlotte Willoughby BVSc, MRCVS. Hook Norton Veterinary Surgeons www.hooknortonvets.co.uk


Charlotte graduated from Bristol University, where she then stayed to complete an internship in vet-


erinary medicine, imaging, and surgery. Charlotte has also undertaken a placement at a well-known stud farm, in both the UK and Australia, developing her interest in reproductive medicine.


Outside of work Charlotte can be found riding her old event horse, who is refusing to retire to a life of dressage!


14 THE SUMMER SPECIAL 2020 For the latest news visit www.centralhorsenews.co.uk


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