Angular limb deformity
Angular limb deformity | |
---|---|
Other names | Crooked legs, Angular limb deviation, Carpal valgus, Carpal varus, Carpal flexural deformity |
Blunt force trauma , unbalanced nutrition, or excessive exercise before the closure of the growth plate | |
Treatment | Surgery, weight management |
Angular limb deformity
Causes
Angular limb deformity usually occurs due to outside factors during developmental years, including
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Significant angular limb deformity is often apparent visually from looking at the limbs in front of, behind, or from the side of the animal.[4] Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination, which can include manipulation of the limbs.[4]
The condition is often painless.
Treatment
Surgical correction may be used to treat significant angular limb deformity, usually carpal valgus, that is causing discomfort and impaired limb use.[6] For younger patients with significant growth potential to the affected area remaining, a surgery involving cutting the ulna to release its hold on the radius is possible; this allows the radius to straighten and grow to normal length.[7] For fully developed animals, a corrective osteotomy may be used to treat the condition.[7]
The animal's weight should be managed carefully to avoid exacerbating lameness or pain. In addition, activities that incur trauma upon the joint, such as jumping, should be discouraged.
Aftercare and Prognosis
Given that most forms of the condition are painless, prognosis is generally good.[8] Depending on the procedure performed and severity of the deformity, aftercare treatment may require rest, daily monitoring of the limb, and repeat radiographs.[4]
Affected animals
The condition is common in
Notes
References
- ^ PMID 21037898.
- ^ a b "Angular Limb Deformity".
- ^ a b "Angular Limb Deformities and Associated Problems in Young and Developing Foals". www.sconeequinehospital.com.au. 3 October 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Angular Limb Deviation in Horses | American College of Veterinary Surgeons - ACVS". www.acvs.org.
- ^ a b "Angular Limb Deformities". May 2, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Angular Limb Deformities (ALD)". Animal Clinic of Billings.
- ^ a b "Angular Limb Deformity". edingersurgicaloptions.com.
- ^ "Angular Limb Deformities in Foals" (PDF). Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons. Archived from the original (PDF) on Jul 26, 2023.