Acquired flexural limb deformities in both mature and growing horses can be caused by:
Iatrogenic: and shoeing of the foot may result in an upright hoof conformation that reduces the stretch and stress on the flexor tendons. Over time the tendon may remodel with less elasticity and at a shorter length. If the foot were then to be trimmed at a more natural angle the flexor tendons would be unable to stretch sufficiently to allow the heel to rest on the floor while the knee and fetlock were in extension. Restricted may result in shortened tendons. Confinement of the foal with limited exercise doesn’t not allow the foal to naturally stress the tendons. is another common cause for acquired flexural limb deformity. Joint pain from a DOD, DJD, or infection of the joint or foot can cause a decrease in the horse’s ability to weight-bear, resulting in the horse actively holding the joints in slight chronic flexion. Over time the tendons will remodel to accommodate the chronic joint flexion and will be made shorter and less elastic.
Trauma or repeated injury may also cause flexural limb deformity as conditions such as tendonitis, bowed tendons, suspensory desmitis, or check ligament desmitis result in the formation of in and around the flexor tendons. As this scar tissue matures it contracts causing a shortening and decreased elasticity of the flexor tendons. Flexural limb deformity is most often seen in foals or in growing horses but may be seen in mature horses as a result of injury. Flexural limb deformity is seen most often in one or both , from the elbow to the hoof, but may occur in the hind limb as well. No matter the cause, flexural limb deformity involves the constant flexion of the knee, fetlock and/or coffin joints, a decrease in the range of motion of joint(s), the development of an upright or -foot hoof conformation, excessive wearing of the toe combined with decreased wear of the heel, decreased weight-bearing on the heels and the development of a dished toe. In more severe cases the horse will not be able to place the heel on the ground and will walk on the toe or front of hoof wall.
Diagnosis of a flexural limb deformity can be made through clinical signs and symptoms as well as radiography, ultrasonography and CT scan.
Treatment for mild congenital/developmental cases, foals generally improve with light exercise & physical therapy. For severe cases, splinting or casting is used and in very severe cases of the check ligaments/suspensory ligament/ SDFT/other connective tissues will be required. Ensure the diet is proper balanced. For mild to moderate acquired contractures, treatment can include corrective trimming of the hoof, corrective shoeing, a controlled exercise program, warm hydrotherapy, stretches and remedial exercise and dietary changes. For corrective trimming/shoeing, the heels should be
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