Page 84 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

Musculoskeletal system: 1.2 The foal and developing animal 59

VetBooks.ir Clinical presentation Differential diagnoses
Infectious physitis, Salter–Harris type V and type
Physitis is usually seen in the distal third metacarpus/
metatarsus from 3–6 months, the distal radius from
8 months to 2 years (Fig. 1.104) and, uncommonly, VI growth plate injuries.
in the distal tibia (from 9–18 months). The affected Diagnosis
physes are usually enlarged, particularly on the The clinical history and findings are suggestive,
medial aspect (‘hourglass’ appearance in the fetlock) but radiography is necessary to reach a diagnosis.
and are firm, warm and painful to palpation. Flexion Lateromedial and dorsopalmar/plantar views are
of adjacent joints may be painful. Concurrent angu- most useful (Fig. 1.105). The metaphysis of the bone
lar and/or flexural deformities may also be present in will appear widened and asymmetrical, with flaring
severe cases. Lameness can be overt or, more usually, and sclerosis of the metaphysis adjacent to the phy-
show as a slight gait stiffness. sis. The physis appears irregular and widened. ALDs
may also be present along with overlying soft-tissue
swelling.

1.104 1.105

Fig. 1.104 Yearling Warmblood colt with enlarged Fig. 1.105 Dorsopalmar radiograph of a weanling
physis of both distal radii. The animal was being foal with physitis showing changes within the
overfed and growing rapidly. This is a typical site physis and metaphyseal flaring and subchondral
for physitis. bone sclerosis.