Bilateral distal radial epiphysectomy and pancarpal arthrodesis for correction of complex carpal deformities in an American Miniature horse

Authors
C. Whitfield-Cargile, J. P. Watkins
Date
August 2011
Journal
Equine Veterinary Education
Volume
23
Number
8
Pages
381-385

A 9-day-old American Miniature horse was referred for evaluation and treatment of congenital bilateral carpal deformities. Clinical examination revealed a combination of flexural, angular and rotational deformities affecting both carpi. Radiographic evaluation of both forelimbs revealed malformation of the distal radial epiphysis accompanied by flexural contracture and external rotation of the limb distal to the antebrachial carpal joint. Conservative therapy was attempted with splints and bandages and failed to result in improvement. Surgical intervention was elected and a bilateral distal radial epiphysectomy and pancarpal arthrodesis performed. Fourteen months later the mare was turned out to pasture and ambulating well.

Equine
Internal Fixation
Angular limb deformity

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