Page 448 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

the foal has found its feet. The foal should be assessed standing squarely and also at walk.

The breakover of each foot is noted. Radiography is helpful in assessing the degree of
VetBooks.ir deformity and essential for identifying any bony abnormality. A video recording of the foal is
useful for monitoring progress.

Treatment

Treatment is either conservative, i.e. with management changes, or surgical, depending on

the severity of the condition and the age of the foal. Many foals are born with a minor degree
of carpal valgus that improves spontaneously and requires nothing more than a few days of
restricted exercise.

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT

This may include:
• confinement to a large stable or small barn for newborn foals with ligament laxity

• restricted exercise in a small paddock

• appropriate trimming of the foot to balance it

• use of glue-on shoes with extensions to encourage normal alignment of the limb and

breakover
• correct nutrition

• foals with incomplete ossification of the carpus or tarsus need restricted exercise and

support from bandages and possibly splints or casts to prevent collapse or fracture of the
affected bones
• shockwave treatment is helpful in some cases.

All foals managed conservatively should be closely monitored. Many mild or moderate
angular limb deformities will resolve spontaneously, but those which fail to improve or

worsen should be treated surgically.

SURGICAL TREATMENT

The aim of surgical treatment is either to accelerate or slow down growth on one side of the

growth plate in order to straighten the limb. Growth can be slowed down on the faster-
growing side by placing staples or screws and wire across the growth plate. This allows the

other side of the limb to catch up and the implants are removed once the limb is straight. The
slower-growing side can be encouraged to lengthen by a technique which involves cutting
and elevating the periosteum which relieves the tension across the growth plate and