In an article published online in February 2015 from Equine Veterinary Education, researchers discussed a specific problem that should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with lameness in the proximal netacarpal/distal carpal region. The article was titled, “Diagnosis and treatment of carpometacarpal desmopathy in a horse.” The article can be found on wiley.com.
Summary
A 9-year-old Warmblood gelding underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the carpal and proximal metacarpal regions for evaluation of prolonged right forelimb lameness. Magnetic resonance findings were indicative of desmopathy of the right lateral carpometacarpal ligament and the interosseous ligament between the third and fourth metacarpal bones. Based on the MR findings and lack of response to conservative therapy, surgery using a drilling technique was performed to facilitate fusion of the right carpometacarpal joint. After surgery and a 6-month rest and rehabilitation programme, the horse returned to soundness. This case report describes a unique combination of lateral carpal/proximal metacarpal soft tissue injuries that resulted in prolonged lameness and were treated with facilitated arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal joint. These soft tissue injuries should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with lameness localised to the proximal metacarpal/distal carpal region.
Authors
E. G. Porter, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida; M.T. Brokken, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, and Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; and S.P. Holmes, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Diagnostic Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia.
