Page 79 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

54 CHAPTER 1

VetBooks.ir 1.97

Fig. 1.97 Yearling
Thoroughbred with
rapid onset of bilateral
flexural deformity of the
metacarpophalangeal joints
of both forelimbs. Note the
very good condition and size
of the animal and the upright
forelimb conformation
through the fetlock. The left
forelimb is intermittently
knuckling forward.

1.98
farriery can be employed. A controlled exercise
programme on hard even surfaces (walking
up small inclines) can be useful. Placing the
foal and mare into a small pen with an all-
weather or dry surface for controlled but
regular exercise is beneficial. The judicious
use of NSAIDs to control any pain improves
the benefit of exercise. In younger foals, the
intravenous injection of oxytetracycline (see
Congenital flexural deformities, p. 37) may also
improve the situation. Regular foot trimming
Fig. 1.98 Fitting
a composite plastic (every 10 days) is important to lower the heels.
toe extension to the Application of a plastic, glue-on toe extension
foot of a foal with shoe (must be changed every 10–14 days to
flexural deformity prevent further ‘boxiness’ developing) or
of the distal placing a hoof composite cap over the toe is
interphalangeal very effective. Both methods protect the toe
joint. (Photo and dorsal hoof capsule from bruising during
courtesy Graham exercise and act as a lever arm (Fig. 1.98). The
Munroe) use of a built up heel, which is then gradually
reduced, is also advocated by some clinicians.
Dietary restriction is necessary to lower the
carbohydrate and protein intake for the mare
Management and foal. Early weaning of the foal helps
Distal interphalangeal flexural deformities control feed intake in the fast growth phase and
• Conservative. Depending on the severity decrease growth rate.
of the problem and the age of presentation, • Surgical. Surgical intervention with
several management options including remedial desmotomy of the AL-DDFT (inferior