Page 580 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

least a further 2 months.

VetBooks.ir The healing may be monitored by repeat ultrasound examinations. Complete healing takes up

to 1 year in some cases.

Prognosis

The prognosis is very poor if the fracture involves the acetabulum (hip joint). Those fractures

that affect the shaft of the ilium have a guarded prognosis. Horses with incomplete,
minimally displaced fractures of the ileal wing have a reasonably good prognosis with

appropriate care and rest. Fractures of the tuber coxae and tuber ischii also have a reasonable
prognosis.

Displacement of the bone or large amounts of bony callus formed during healing may
restrict the diameter of the pelvic cavity sufficiently to make breeding of affected mares

inadvisable. Pregnancy increases the strain on the pelvis and should not be considered
without conferring with your vet when healing is complete.

SACROILIAC DISEASE

Anatomy

The sacroiliac joint connects the pelvis to the vertebral column (Figures 12.26a and b, and

see Figure 12.4). The upper surface of the wing of the sacrum articulates with the ventral
surface of the wing of the ilium. The joint capsule is attached closely to the edge of the joint.
The strong ventral sacroiliac ligament surrounds the joint and provides a strong attachment

between the sacrum and the ilium. All the power from the hind limbs is transmitted to the
vertebral column through this joint. It is therefore designed for stability rather than

movement. A small amount of flexion and extension occurs.