movement and exercise is
tend to have less and slower ossification predisposing
them to the collapse of the cuboidal bones, while those foals who are exercised
experience more compressive forces on their bones, predisposing those foals to cuboidal bone collapse as well. Large foal size in utero and excessively fat broodmares tend to experience higher instances of fetal malpositioning, and consequently higher rates of angular limb deformity. Foals with poor carpal or tarsal conformation will also experience more risk of angular limb deformities. , but is known to occur in the hind limb as well. Angular limb deformity of the forelimb is seen from a cranial view. The affected carpus, metacarpus and phalanges appear to deviate either medially or laterally away from the midline of the forearm. A medial deviation is known as varus while a lateral deviation is known as valgus. Varus deviations tend to present with a medial rotation of the metacarpus and phalanges while valgus deviations tend to present with lateral rotation of the metacarpus and phalanges. Angular limb deformity tends to occur more often in the
Diagnosis of angular limb deformity is made through clinical signs and symptoms as well as through radiography.
Treatment is based on the cause and severity of the deviation. If congenital and mild, treatment is controlled exercise and corrective trimming. If the deformity is mild and caused by excessive exercise the treatment is rest. If the deformity is moderate to severe, or casting of the affected limb or surgical correction is required. For all degrees of variation diet modification and corrective trimming and shoeing can be beneficial. It is not recommended to breed individuals affected by angular limb deformity as it, like all other DOD’s, is thought to have a genetic predisposition. Modifying the diet of broodmares and foals may help reduce the risk that a DOD will develop. Septic Arthritis Septic arthritis is a term used to describe any damage to the articular surface of a joint that was caused by a invasion of the joint.
Generally septic arthritis is bacterial but may also be fungal. The bacterial species that cause most cases of septic arthritis are E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Rhodococus equi.
There are two ways in which bacteria gain entry into the joint space. Haematogenous septic arthritis occurs in individuals afflicted with . This route of transmission is most common in foals as they are more susceptible to septicaemia. Exogenous septic arthritis occurs when bacteria is introduced from the external environment into the joint space through a puncture wound or IA injection.
Once bacteria enter the joint space they feed on the components of the synovial fluid. The waste products produced by the bacteria irritate the synovial membrane and
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