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Incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones in foals: 22 cases (1988-1996)
D M Dutton1, J P Watkins, M A Walker
1Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843, USA.
Objective:
To determine outcome for foals with incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones and to determine whether clinical and radiographic abnormalities at the time of initial examination were associated with outcome.
Design:
Retrospective study.
Animals:
22 foals.
Procedure:
Information on signalment, history, owner's initial complaint, clinical findings, whether tarsus valgus was evident, and radiographic abnormalities was obtained from medical records. Radiographic lesions were classified as type I (i.e., incomplete ossification with < 30% collapse of the affected bones) or type II (incomplete ossification with > 30% collapse and pinching or fragmentation of the affected bones). Follow-up information was obtained via telephone conversations with owners.
Results:
Foals were between 1 day and 10 months old when first examined. Eleven were premature (i.e., < 320 days of gestation) or were twins. Sixteen had tarsus valgus. Severity of radiographic lesions was associated with outcome; 4 of 6 foals with type-I incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones performed as intended, but only 3 of 16 foals with type-II incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones performed as intended.
Clinical Implications:
For foals with incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones, severity of the radiographic lesions was associated with outcome. Foals with type-II incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones have a guarded prognosis for athletic soundness.