Can a horse survive a bone chip in the knee?
Most horses (except for elite show jumpers, due to the repeat concussion on landing) can tolerate fractures in the top (radiocarpal) joint of the knee; Chip fractures in the lower joint of the knee will remain a constant problem for all horses except those involved in only very light work, such as infrequent trail riding;
Where do fetlock chip fractures occur in horses?
In U.S. racehorses, for example, fetlock chip fractures occur most frequently in the left forelimb off the medial eminence. Veterinarians believe this is because that inner aspect of the limb is subject to high loads when the horses run in a counterclockwise direction around the track.
What to do with a sesamoid fracture in a horse?
Blea says when sesamoids fracture, they do so in one of three ways—apical (the top third), mid-body, or basal (at the bottom). Veterinarians typically can remove an apical fragment arthroscopically (a minimally invasive surgery involving a fiberoptic camera), with a good prognosis for return to performance.
How is the patella a sesamoid bone in a horse?
“Our patella is a sesamoid bone,” she says. “It is gliding over this amazing structure called our knee. In horses, the sesamoids provide a groove for these immensely strong flexor tendons, and they also provide mechanical support for this incredible unidirectional joint that sits in front of them. And they do both at the same time.”
Who is the vet who treats Thoroughbred racehorses?
One vet who treats thoroughbred racehorses says she had to make a clean break with backstretch practice of indiscriminate use of medications. Kate Papp has loved horses for as long as she can remember.
What happens if a horse’s knee is over at the knee?
“A horse that is ‘over at the knee’ is not predisposed to carpal degenerative joint disease, because the knee is designed to flex,” Beeman says. “However, the condition can precipitate premature flexion of the carpus when the leg is fully weight-bearing.
What should I do if my horse has fluid in his knee?
They do not generally affect a horse’s soundness nor do they become infected. Most vets recommend draining the fluid from the knee and then applying a compression bandage which needs to be done sooner rather than later for it to be an effective therapy.
Who is the best surgeon for horse knees?
Dustin Devine, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, staff surgeon at Littleton Equine Medical Center, in Colorado, is well-versed in equine musculoskeletal problems. “Angular limb deformities can be detrimental to future soundness if not appropriately addressed or corrected in a timely fashion,” he says.