Bilateral tibial metaphyseal stress fractures associated with physitis in a foal

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1994 Jul 1;205(1):76-8.

Abstract

A 7-month-old Appaloosa foal had bilateral hind limb lameness and was unable to rise from recumbency without assistance. Lameness could be exacerbated by tarsal flexion and a firm swelling at the distomedial aspect of the tibias was associated with a marked pain response when palpated. Radiography revealed enlargement of the distal tibial metaphysis physis (compared with normal), and radiolucent fissure lines extending proximally from the physis into the metaphysis at its medial aspect. Treatment included rest and dietary adjustment. Although clinical signs initially resolved following treatment, the problem recurred when the foal was 14 months old. Further treatment included 7 months of pasture rest without forced exercise, after which the foal was reported to be clinically normal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fractures, Stress / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Stress / etiology
  • Fractures, Stress / veterinary*
  • Growth Plate / diagnostic imaging
  • Growth Plate / pathology*
  • Horses / injuries*
  • Inflammation
  • Lameness, Animal / etiology*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Tibial Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibial Fractures / etiology
  • Tibial Fractures / veterinary*