Page 443 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• mineral imbalance, e.g. incorrect calcium/phosphorus ratios or low copper levels

• high body-weight
VetBooks.ir • too much exercise of young animals

•
severe lameness in one limb can lead to the development of physitis in the other limb as a
result of increased weight bearing

• angular limb deformity leads to uneven pressure on the growth plate and may cause
physitis.

Clinical signs

These include:

• warm, painful enlargement of the growth plate, usually on the medial side
• pain on palpation of the region

• shortening of the stride or mild lameness that may be exacerbated by flexion

• change in contour of the limb

• the condition may affect just one limb or occur bilaterally.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made on the clinical signs and may be confirmed by radiography.

Treatment

Treatment includes:
• box rest or restricted exercise; this may be necessary for between 2–8 weeks

• assessment of the diet; it may be necessary to reduce the energy intake while ensuring

adequate intake of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc
• reduction of body-weight if the foal or yearling is too heavy

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. phenylbutazone, if the animal is very lame

• corrective hoof trimming if necessary
• correction of any angular limb deformity.

Prognosis

The prognosis is good provided the condition is recognized and appropriately managed.