Page 291 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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fracture to be seen.
• Nuclear scintigraphy or MRI are occasionally helpful when the fracture line is not visible
VetBooks.ir on X-ray.
Figure 6.57 X-ray of fractured pedal bone: the fracture line is clearly visible in this pedal bone
Treatment
Treatment is either conservative or surgical.
CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT
Fractures which do not involve the joint are treated conservatively. Some articular fractures
are also treated in this way.
After balancing the foot, a bar shoe with quarter or multiple clips is used to immobilize
the hoof capsule and the pedal bone. These prevent the quarters from expanding when the
foot bears weight. Sometimes a shoe with a complete rim is fitted. A pad may be used to
protect the sole. The Equine Digital Support System shoe can also be used to stabilize these
fractures.
