Page 292 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

The foot is shod in this way every 4–6 weeks for at least 6–8 months. After this time, an

ordinary bar shoe can be used. The horse is usually box rested for 3–6 months depending on
VetBooks.ir the type of fracture and should not be worked for 8–12 months.

SURGICAL TREATMENT

Fractures that pass through the middle of the joint have a better prognosis if they are treated
surgically. A screw is used across the fracture line to minimize movement between the two
fragments and compress the fracture line. This reduces the risk of subsequent degenerative

joint disease. A bar shoe with clips or a rim is then applied. Following surgery the horse is
confined to a box for 2 months. Controlled walking exercise is then introduced for a further 2

months. If the horse is sound after 4 months, it can be allowed access to a small paddock for
another 8 weeks.

Small fractures of the extensor process are surgically removed. Larger pieces of bone
may be screwed back in place.

Aftercare

Healing progress is monitored by repeat X-rays taken every three months. This is important
as pedal bones are very slow to heal and the horse often becomes sound before the fracture

appears healed on the radiographs. Some fractures remain joined by fibrous tissue and will
always appear abnormal on X-rays.

Possible complications

These include:

• ongoing lameness
• degenerative joint disease may be a sequel to articular fractures

• long-term use of bar shoes can cause contracted heels; this should be addressed once the

fracture has healed and the horse is back in work
• the metal implant (screw) may become infected following surgery.

Prognosis

The prognosis is good for many types of non-articular fracture. If the fracture involves the

joint, the prognosis is guarded. In some cases, continuing pain can be relieved by neurectomy
of the palmar digital nerve.