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Musculoskeletal system: 1.7c The axial skeleton – pelvis 285

VetBooks.ir 1.538 1.539

Fig. 1.538 CT scan of a 7-day-old foal found in a
ravine with 5/5 left hindlimb lameness. Radiographs
showed fracture of tuber coxae; however it was unclear Fig. 1.539 Conservative management of a 3-year-
if the ilial body was involved. CT confirmed a closed, old Thoroughbred gelding with a pelvic fracture. The
comminuted, displaced tuber coxae fracture without Anderson Sling is used to prevent the horse from lying
ilial body involvement. down, averting further fracture displacement.

(3 months versus 6.5 months). Horses with fractures
1.540
of the tuber coxae and ilial wings have a good prog-
nosis for athletic activity, but involvement of the ilial
shaft significantly worsens the prognosis. Fractures
involving the acetabulum carry the worst prognosis
for returning to athletic activity due to the develop-
ment of coxofemoral OA.

SACRAL AND COCCYGEAL INJURIES

Definition/overview
Injuries of the sacrum and tail occur rarely in the
horse.

Aetiology/pathophysiology
Tail injuries are frequently caused by inappropri-
ate bandaging (a tight tail bandage left in place for
2–3 days will result in ischaemia of the distal tail) or
may occur as a result of trauma.

Clinical presentation
Fig. 1.540 Chronic tuber coxae fracture with If the cranial sacrum is fractured, lameness/
sequestration. The sequestered piece was surgically hindlimb weakness will be present. With involve-
removed and the draining tract debrided. The horse ment of the caudal sacral and cranial coccygeal
recovered uneventfully. vertebrae (C1–C3), neuropraxia may result in tail